Measurement invariance of the dark triad scale

Abstract

The aim of this research was to investigate the measurement invariance of Dark Triad Dirty Dozen Scale scores across gender to gather validity evidence intended for scores obtained from the scale. The invariance of the measurement tool was investigated in the undergraduate students aged between 18 and 25. The measurement invariance examination was conducted via structural equation modeling, which is modeled with linear functions, and differential item functioning methods, which is modeled with non-linear functions. According to the results, while configural and metric invariance was ensured between genders, scalar invariance was partially provided. This evidence of invariance is similar to the results obtained from the differential item functioning analysis. The results yielded that females scored higher on Machiavellianism and narcissism while males scored higher on psychopathy. The reasons regarding high Machiavellianism and narcissism scores for females may further explained by investigating the impacts of cultural features on measurement invariance.