Individual Differences Research

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Individual Differences Research > Volume 12, Issue 3 (2014) > 112-122

Criterion Validity of Facets versus Domains of the Big Five Inventory

Ronald C. Feldt, Jen Lee, Dennis Dew

Abstract

The study investigated the two-facet-scale structure within each domain of the 44- item Big Five Inventory investigated by Soto and John (2009). Undergraduate college students participated (N = 295). First, results of confirmatory factor analysis indicated good model fit for the two-facet structure for each domain. Next, we examined criterion validity of facets versus domains for predicting three measures relevant to social cognitive career theory (SCOT): goal instability, personal satisfaction with career development, and life satisfaction. Results of hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated improved prediction of SCOT measures when BFI facet scores were used as predictors rather than domain scores.