Spanish version of need for cognition scale: Evidence of reliability, validity and factorial invariance of the very efficient short-form

Need for cognition is an important individual difference referring to the tendency to enjoy and engage in effortful cognitive activity. We psychometrically validated a very efficient version of the scale in Spanish with 6 rather than 18 items. Shorter questionnaires are in high demand as they can decrease participant fatigue for example. Questionnaires were administered in Spanish to two independent samples of Uruguayans (N = 367; N = 121). In sample 1, we compared the 18-item version to the 6 hypothesized items, the 6 items with the highest factor loadings and the 12 excluded items. The 6-item version achieved acceptable model fit in confirmatory factor analyses, measurement invariance across fields of study and gender, and performed better than other models in multiple respects. Model fit in sample 2 was even better. Construct validity with external measures (personality, academic motivations, academic performance, consideration of future consequences, work innovation) was upheld in both samples. We discussed subtle differences in correlations and the content of items across versions. ANOVAs suggested that negligible to null differences across gender and field of study. Reliability was acceptable (α = .76) in sample 1 and good in sample 2 (α = .85). In comparison to longer versions, the 6-item version came at little-to-no cost in terms of psychometric properties. Results support its use for comparison between students from different fields and gender. Disposing of this very efficient Need for Cognition Scale in Spanish can encourage its widespread use and in high-stakes assessments of the predictors of performance in higher education and the workplace.