Factor Analysis of Development Identity for Graduates in the Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the identity components of graduates from the Faculty of Forestry at Kasetsart University using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Two sample groups were involved: Group 1 (400 individuals) for exploratory factor analysis and Group 2 (710 individuals) for confirmatory factor analysis. Both groups responded to a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. The exploratory factor analysis results showed a strong Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of .930 and Bartlett's Test of Sphericity with a chi-square value of 10437.275, 1770 degrees of freedom, and a significance level of .0001. Nine identity components were identified through factor rotation using the Varimax method: teamwork, commitment to task completion, application of knowledge, integrity towards oneself and others, adaptability to the environment, humility, willingness to help and share, non-egoism, and perseverance. The confirmatory factor analysis confirmed a good fit of the model to the observed data, indicated by indices such as p = .148, χ²/df = 1.314, RMSEA = .02, GFI = .991, AGFI = .98, CFI = .998, and RMR = .097. Notably, "teamwork" had the highest standardized weight of .825, followed by "willingness to help and share" (.749) and "commitment to task completion" (.739). The standardized weights ranged from .825 to .636. All variables had statistically significant p-values, and the coefficients of determination (R²) ranged from .680 to .405 when measured by Square Multiple Correlation.