The Big Five Inventory–2: Replication of Psychometric Properties in a Dutch Adaptation and First Evidence for the Discriminant Predictive Validity of the Facet Scales

Abstract

This series of studies investigated whether the good psychometric properties of the English version of the Big Five Inventory–2 (BFI–2) could be replicated using its Dutch adaptation. Second, it aimed to further examine the predictive validity of both the Big Five domain and the more specific facet scales of the BFI–2 in a large and representative sample. Results indicated that the structure found in the English version was replicated in the Dutch adaptation. The 60-item BFI–2 was reliable at the level of both domains and facets, as were the abbreviated versions. In terms of validity, the domain scales predicted a broad range of criteria. Examination of preregistered hypotheses regarding the discriminant validity of the facets indicated that experts were able to predict which facets would be most strongly associated with specific criteria. Overall, results confirm the strong psychometric properties of the BFI–2 Big Five domain scales and indicate that theoretically identified facets can be more valid predictors of criteria than other facets of the same domain.

Notes

1 The term domain is used to refer to manifest individual differences corresponding to the broad Big Five dimensions.

2 It should be noted that the relevant comparison is between dependent correlations (i.e., having the criterion variable in common) and that some pairwise comparisons actually were statistically significant using a test of the difference between two dependent correlations with one variable in common (Lee & Preacher, 2013).