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Measuring Search for Meaning: A Factor-Analytic Evaluation of the Seeking of Noetic Goals Test (SONG)

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  • Stefan Schulenberg
  • Brandy Baczwaski
  • Erin Buchanan

Abstract

This study’s primary purpose was to examine the factor structure of the 20-item Seeking of Noetic Goals (SONG) test via exploratory and confirmatory factor-analytic procedures. An additional objective was to report on the measure’s incremental validity in comparison to the Search scale of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), an alternative measure of search for meaning. This study utilized data from three samples of American undergraduates (N = 908) from a medium-sized southern university. Factor analysis supported a two-factor model of the SONG, with patterns of correlation further suggesting the measure assesses distinct constructs. Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis indicated similar scale structure and item answering in terms of gender. Overall, the first factor yielded reliable scores that correlated significantly and in the expected direction with measures of well-being and psychological distress. The second factor did not yield reliable scores nor did it correlate significantly with many of the other measures administered. However, both factors were shown to significantly predict scores from measures of depression and general psychological distress after controlling for MLQ Search scale scores. We consider the data with respect to SONG scoring and interpretation, and discuss implications of these data for future research. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2014

Suggested Citation

  • Stefan Schulenberg & Brandy Baczwaski & Erin Buchanan, 2014. "Measuring Search for Meaning: A Factor-Analytic Evaluation of the Seeking of Noetic Goals Test (SONG)," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 15(3), pages 693-715, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:15:y:2014:i:3:p:693-715
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-013-9446-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hofmans, J. & Pepermans, R. & Loix, E., 2009. "Measurement invariance matters: A case made for the ORTOFIN," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 30(4), pages 667-674, August.
    2. Ledyard Tucker & Charles Lewis, 1973. "A reliability coefficient for maximum likelihood factor analysis," Psychometrika, Springer;The Psychometric Society, vol. 38(1), pages 1-10, March.
    3. Stefan Schulenberg & Amanda Melton, 2010. "A Confirmatory Factor-Analytic Evaluation of the Purpose in Life Test: Preliminary Psychometric Support for a Replicable Two-Factor Model," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 11(1), pages 95-111, March.
    4. Stefan Schulenberg & Lindsay Schnetzer & Erin Buchanan, 2011. "The Purpose in Life Test-Short Form: Development and Psychometric Support," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 12(5), pages 861-876, October.
    5. Kok-Yee Ng & Christine S.-K. Koh, 2010. "Motivation to Serve," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Dirk van Dierendonck & Kathleen Patterson (ed.), Servant Leadership, chapter 8, pages 90-101, Palgrave Macmillan.
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    1. Joaquín García-Alandete & César Rubio-Belmonte & Beatriz Soucase Lozano, 2018. "A Replication of the Reker and Cousins’ Study About the Complementarity Between the Purpose-In-Life Test (PIL) and the Seeking of Noetic Goals (SONG) Among Spanish Young People," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 19(1), pages 81-97, January.

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