On Friday, November 28, 2025, the Master of Science and Doctoral Program (MD) FEB UGM held its routine thesis coaching session titled “Methods for Testing Common Method Bias.” The session invited Dr. Ridwan Saptoto, S.Psi., M.A., Psychologist, a faculty member from the Faculty of Psychology UGM, as the main speaker. The event took place offline from 09:00 to 11:30 WIB at the BRI Auditorium, 3rd Floor, MD FEB UGM Building.
During the session, Dr. Ridwan Saptoto delivered an in-depth explanation of various methods used to detect and minimize Common Method Bias (CMB), a methodological issue frequently encountered in social and business research. He
discussed the fundamental concept of CMB, common sources of bias, and its potential impact on the validity of research findings. Several testing techniques, including Harman’s Single Factor Test, CFA Marker Technique, and latent variable approaches, were systematically presented to help students select the most appropriate method for their research design.
Participants showed high enthusiasm throughout the session, especially during discussions on interpreting statistical outputs and practical strategies to prevent CMB during instrument design and data analysis. The Q&A session was actively used by students to consult on methodological challenges they faced in their thesis projects, resulting in an interactive and applicable discussion. This thesis coaching session is expected to strengthen students’ methodological understanding and support them in producing research that is more valid, reliable, and aligned with academic standards.
