Measuring self-regulated learning and personality in a Mongolian security and defense training institution: psychometric validation of the MSLQ-M and BFI-2-S using exploratory structural equation modeling

A study conducted in a Mongolian security and defense training institution validated Mongolian adaptations of the Big Five Inventory-2 Short Form (BFI-2-S) and the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ-M). The research, involving 307 students, utilized Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM) to assess structural validity, reliability, measurement invariance, and criterion validity. The findings indicate that the BFI-2-S demonstrated good fit, suggesting its suitability for measuring personality, and the MSLQ-M for self-regulated learning in this specific institutional context.

Why it matters

This research provides validated psychometric tools for assessing personality and self-regulated learning within a specific Central Asian security and defense training institution. The availability of reliable and valid instruments is crucial for informing personnel selection, training program design, and educational interventions, thereby enhancing human capital development within the defense and security sectors.

Key insights

• Cross-cultural psychometric validation of personality and self-regulated learning instruments is limited in Central Asian institutional contexts.
• The study validated Mongolian adaptations of the Big Five Inventory-2 Short Form (BFI-2-S) and the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire strategy subscales (MSLQ-M).
• The research was conducted with 307 students at a Mongolian security and defense training institution.
• Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM) was used to assess structural validity, reliability, measurement invariance, and criterion validity.
• The BFI-2-S demonstrated good fit (CFI = .933), supporting its psychometric properties in this context.

Source

Frontiers in Education — https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1915438