Psychometric evaluation of responses to the NEO-PI-3 in a multi-ethnic sample of adults in India.

Cross-cultural studies have demonstrated the utility of the NEO scales in organizing research on personality development (McCrae, 2004). The NEO PI-3 is the latest updated version that has modified item content more suitable to younger populations and to adults with lower literacy levels. The present study examined the utility of the English version of the NEO PI-3 in a multiethnic sample of adults from India (N = 188) by examining mean level data, Cronbach's alpha, retest reliabilities, and construct validity with particular attention given to previous findings that used the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised (NEO PI-R) in an Indian sample. Principal components analyses employing orthogonal procrustean rotations demonstrated convergence with U.S. norms and prior Indian data. The current Cronbach's alpha and retest reliability values were slightly better than data using the NEO-PI-R in 2 Indian samples (Lodhi, Deo, & Belhekar, 2002; Singh, 2009). Scores correlated significantly, and in appropriate ways, with several psychosocial measures. These findings underscore the potential utility of the NEO PI-3 in research among those for whom English is a second language.