Factor Structure and Gender Invariance of the Negative Outcome Expectations Scale Among Latiné Engineering College Students

Using a sample of 883 Latiné engineering students, the present study explored the measurement characteristics of the Negative Outcome Expectations Scale for Engineers (NOES-E), applying advanced psychometric techniques, including bifactor and the exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) framework, to ascertain the scale’s most suitable factor structure. Additionally, measurement invariance across Latino and Latina participants was tested to investigate if the scale operates equally across gender groups and whether the latent mean scores are invariant. The results suggested that the bi-factor ESEM provided the best model fit when contrasted with other possible factor structures. The findings generally highlighted the general factor as reflecting the negative outcome expectations, suggesting that the use of total score is advised over the use of individual subscale scores. Findings from the measurement invariance testing across men and women indicated the NOES-E score can be compared between both groups.