Network analysis of 25 items of Goldberg’s big 5 factor inventory using Gaussian Graphical modeling

Regarding numerous studies in the literature involving Goldberg’s big 5 factor inventory (BFI), it is safe to assume that factor structure of BFI is highly valid. The main goal of this study is to assess whether network analysis can reproduce the results of exploratory factor analysis and if so, will the plotted network of items provide new insights? In the present study, the network structure of 25 items of BFI will be presented by conducting network analysis and cluster analysis; In addition, the results of network analysis will be compared with findings from exploratory factor analysis. The statistical population encompasses all people from different countries who voluntarily referred to website of international personality item pool and took part in the English version of Goldberg’s big 5 factor personality assessment tool. The data sample includes 2800 people from statistical population who referred to this website in the spring of 2010. All the statistical analysis has been carried out in R statistical software (version: 3.4.4). The network analysis using Gaussian graphical modeling alongside cluster analysis was able to accurately categorize the 25 items in 5 subgraphs in complete accordance with exploratory factor analysis results. In addition, items corresponding to extraversion sit in the center of the graph which denotes the importance of extraversion among other factors. Last but not least, the centrality analysis revealed invaluable information regarding the role and importance of items in the personality questionnaire.