Grit Across Nations: The Cross-National Equivalence of the Grit-O Scale

Abstract Despite its popularity in practice, the Grit-O Scale has shown inconsistent factorial structures and differing levels of internal consistency samples outside USA. The validity different contexts is, therefore, questionable. As such, purpose this paper was to determine whether could be used as a valid reliable measure compare grit across nations. Specifically, aim investigate validity, reliability, concurrent measurement invariance three national cohorts (Europe, USA, Hong Kong). Data were gathered from 1888 respondents stemming one USA- ( n = 471), two Kong- 361) four European 1056) universities. A series traditional CFA less restrictive ESEM models estimated systematically compared best form Scale. results showed that bifactor model, with general factor overall specific factors (consistency interest perseverance effort), fitted data best, strong samples, itself measure. Furthermore, established by showing directly positively related task performance. Meaningful latent comparisons between cultural therefore made. imply cross-national may only problematic when approaches are favoured. In contrast, modelling compensate for differences understanding control interpretation scale’s items. Therefore, approach more appropriate cross-cultural comparison studies, it allows these meaningfully captured, modelled, controlled for.