Use of LISREL in scale validation

A confirmatory factor analysis of items representing two dimensions of the locus of control construct was conducted with LISREL. In general, the analysis substantiated the hypothesized model by providing statistical tests of the loadings and the fit of the model to the data. Given the presence of several correlated error terms, a three-factor model was tested. While both the two-factor and three-factor models appeared to fit the data, the former provided a better fit. In addition, LISREL provided evidence of interfactor correlation; those with a stronger external expectation of control tend to be characterized by stronger powerful-others or fate orientations.