Invariance on the NEO PI-R Neuroticism Scale

Abstract

We explored between gender invariance on the NEO PI-R Neuroticism scale. Sörbom's (1974;1982) mean and covariance structural analysis was used to evaluate weak and strong forms of factorial invariance for the six facet scales when treated as indicators of a common neuroticism factor. Item response theory procedures were used to evaluate differential item functioning (DIF) within each of the six facets. The structural modeling results indicated that the Neuroticism scale is weakly invariant (i.e., factor loadings were equivalent for men and women), but the hypothesis of strong invariance was not supported. The within-facet DIF analysis was difficult to interpret. Although several items displayed significant DIF, it was difficult to associate DIF with specific aspects of item content. Also, even when substantial item-level DIF was identified on the Anxiety facet, its effects when considered at the facet level appeared inconsequential. This latter finding illustrates that item-level DIF does not necessarily make a difference when a scale is considered as a whole.