Guidelines for Reporting Confirmatory Factor Analysis in Organizational and Industrial Psychology

https://doi.org/10.5935/rpot/e26935

Abstract

Research in Organizational and Work Psychology (OWP) uses psychometric instruments to operationalize latent constructs. However, studies often employ established measures without examining whether the hypothesized measurement structure holds in the sample studied. This practice may compromise the adequacy of conclusions when the relationship between latent constructs and observed indicators is assumed rather than tested. This article discusses the importance of the adequacy of measurement models in samples, argues in favor of the use of Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and provides guidelines for its use. To this end, we outline the conceptual foundations that link validity evidence based on internal structure and present recommendations for reporting CFA in empirical studies. In addition, we emphasize the principle of methodological proportionality, suggesting that expectations regarding the evaluation of measurement should be aligned with the scope of each study. Thus, the aim is to contribute to improving methodological rigor and advancing knowledge in OWP research.