Dimensionality of MF.

ABSTRACT This study sought, through a factor analysis of 450 masculine-feminine (MF) items from nine established sources such as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MNK), to determine whether in a college sample of 523 students there were a small number of factors common to both sexes, or if the MF scale consisted of so many weak factors that the practice of giving people scores on it should be abandoned. Only 39% of the items discriminated the sexes. Of the nine item factors in females and ten in males, four occurred in both sexes. These MF factors were neuroticism and religiousity (feminine), and power and scientific interests (masculine). The need for four homogeneous, orthogonal MF scales based on these dimensions is requisite for any rational exploration of MF in relation to sex-role identification, achievement, homosexuality, etc.