Abstract
This study addressed the lack of research on the Need for Cognition-6 items (NCS-6) in a Mexican sample, aiming to provide evidence of its psychometric properties. It examined convergent, divergent, and factorial validity, test-retest reliability, and internal consistency. Additionally, it explored the scale's potential contribution to predicting quality of life in multivariate regression along with the Big Five Factor Model (BFFM). The study consisted of 1,366 adult participants at baseline and 120 at follow-up three years later, recruited through snowball sampling. Besides the NCS-6, other utilized measures were the Big Five Inventory-2 and the Quality-of-Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire Short Form. Analyses showed high positive correlations between NFC-6 and extraversion and open-mindedness, moderate correlations with conscientiousness and negative emotionality, and a weak correlation with agreeableness. A one-factor structure model, and testretest reliability were also assessed, with results slightly below the ones reported in the literature. Internal consistency was satisfactory overall. Lastly, no evidence was found of higher explained variance when adding NFC along the BFFM in a linear regression model for prediction of quality of life. This is the first study of its kind to evaluate the psychometric properties of the NCS-6 in a Mexican sample. We suggest its use an individual scale independent of the measurement of the BFFM, especially by using individual items. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)