A comparison of the methods for detecting dyadic patterns in the actor-partner interdependence model

In the actor-partner interdependence model (APIM), various dyadic patterns between an actor and partner can be examined. One widely used approach is the parameter k method, which tests whether the ratio of the partner effect to the actor effect (p/a) is significantly different from pattern values such as −1 (contrast), 0 (actor-only or partner-only), and 1 (couple). Although using a phantom variable was a useful method for estimating the k ratio, it is no longer necessary due to the availability of statistical packages that allow for a direct estimation of the k ratio without the inclusion of the phantom variable. Moreover, it is possible to examine the patterns by testing new variables defined in different forms from the k or using the χ² difference test. To date, no previous studies have evaluated and compared the various approaches for detecting the dyadic patterns in APIM. This study aims to assess and compare the performance of four different methods for detecting dyadic patterns: (1) phantom variable approach, (2) direct estimation of the parameter k, (3) new-variable approach, and (4) χ² difference test. The first two methods frequently included multiple pattern values in there confidence interval. Furthermore, the phantom variable approach was prone to convergence issues. The other two alternatives performed better in detecting the dyadic patterns without convergence problems. Given the findings of the study, we suggest a novel procedure for examining dyadic patterns in APIM.