Testing the generality of the general factor of personality: An exploratory bifactor approach

Objective: To investigate whether the psychometric properties of the general factor of personality (GFP) obtained through self-reported measures support its interpretation as a substantive dimension of general order. Method: We estimated oblique and orthogonal bifactor exploratory structural equatio...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Arias González, Victor Benito, Jenaro Río, Cristina, Ponce, Fernando P.
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión aceptada para publicación
Fecha de publicación:2018
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Salamanca (USAL)
Repositorio:GREDOS. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Salamanca
OAI Identifier:oai:gredos.usal.es:10366/154224
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10366/154224
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Five factor personality model
General factor of personality
Bifactor
Exploratory structural equation modelling
Descripción
Sumario:Objective: To investigate whether the psychometric properties of the general factor of personality (GFP) obtained through self-reported measures support its interpretation as a substantive dimension of general order. Method: We estimated oblique and orthogonal bifactor exploratory structural equation models of the Big Five. Results: The GFP explained considerably less variance than the five group factors, and showed poor model-based reliability. The pattern of GFP loadings were consistent with those of a reverse-keyed wording factor. When related to an external variable (dispositional optimism) the GFP was primary associated to method variance, and not to the substantive criterion. Conclusions: Although there is a certain degree of variance common to most behavioral indicators of personality, its properties are not compatible with an interpretation of the GFP as a reliable and psychometrically meaningful general factor of personality.