Validating the Structure of the New Ecological Paradigm Scale among Argentine Citizens through Different Approaches

Abstract

Objective.
This study assessed the psychometric properties of the New Ecological Paradigm – R scale, in a
sample of adult people from Córdoba, Argentina. This scale assesses attitudes, beliefs, values, and worldviews
regarding the environment. Previous studies have found differences in the dimensionality, while the consistency
has shown to be acceptable.
Method.
The structure of the instrument was explored using an exploratory factor
analysis and also an exploratory structural equation modeling.
Results.
Both techniques have shown that
the bifactor model comprising 11 items yielded the best
fi
t to the data compared to other models. Internal
consistency was adequate. While gender differences were not observed, a high educational level was associated
with a more ecological view, and age was inversely related to it.
Conclusion
.
Even though good psychometric
properties were observed, there is a need for further studies in order to obtain evidence of the predictive value
of the scale in the Argentinian context.