A structural examination of the Learning Experiences Questionnaire

The underlying factor structure of the Learning Experiences Questionnaire (LEQ; Schaub, 2004) was examined using data from 742 male and female college-age respondents. The LEQ items reflect a variety of learning experiences (generated based on Bandura's (1986, 1997) four sources of self-efficacy perceptions) that might occur in each of Holland's (1997) six RIASEC domains. The LEQ was expected to have a multi-dimensional factor structure, with dimensions representing both RIASEC context and learning experience type. A multi-trait multi-method framework was used to compare the relative fits of a series of models with different theoretically implied dimensionalities, estimated using confirmatory factor analysis. Results supported the proposed multi-dimensional structure. Results of follow-up tests of measurement invariance for men and women revealed that configural and partial factorial invariance held, implying that the LEQ measure functions similarly for men and women.

► We examined the factor structure of the Learning Experiences Questionnaire (LEQ).
► The LEQ was expected to have a multi-dimensional factor structure.
► Confirmatory factor analyses tested the fit of the LEQ data to six different models.
► Results supported the proposed multi-dimensional structure.
► Tests of invariance suggested that the LEQ functions similarly for men and women.