Confirmatory factor analysis of the Personal Orientation Inventory (POI)

Abstract

A survey of the field revealed a need for a Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Personal Orientation Inventory (POI). The two major objectives were to understand the concept of selfactualization and the use of the POI as a measuring instrument. The POI correlation coefficients were used as input data for the computer program, Linear Structural Relations (LISREL), to perform a Confirmatory Factor Analysis. A sample of 495 individuals was used in this research. This sample consisted of both male and female second-year Industrial Psychology students from various race groups. The research concluded that the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) indicated a poor fit between the empirical model and the empirical reality. This determined that the POI's factor structure could not confirm the theoretical model of selfactualization. It is acknowledged that more research needs to be conducted, taking due consideration of bias variables and cultural diversity.