Dear Ana,

In response to your question about how the interpretation of the construct of ecological identity differs depending on whether the model used is a second-order confirmatory factor analysis model or a bifactor model, I will first explain both analytical techniques and how they are applied in the context of ecological identity.

1. Second-Order Confirmatory Factor Analysis Model:

• Description: This model assumes that constructs like enjoyment of nature, respect for nature, and environmental protection can be grouped into a higher-order, overarching factor (second-order), which represents the global ecological identity. In other words, this model suggests that ecological identity is a complex construct that consists of several connected but distinct aspects, which aggregate into a higher factor.
• Interpretation: In this model, all aspects of ecological identity (enjoyment of nature, respect for nature, environmental protection) act as indicators that contribute to a common overarching construct, i.e., ecological identity as a higher-order factor. When using this scale, the interpretation focuses on how specific aspects behave in the context of a global construct, and the ecological identity is derived from them.
• Example: If the result for the global ecological identity factor is high, we can conclude that the student or respondent demonstrates a high level of environmental awareness and responsibility, based on their enjoyment, respect, and active protection of nature.

2. Bifactor Model:

• Description: A bifactor model includes one global factor (ecological identity) as well as multiple specified factors representing different aspects of that identity, but each of these factors still maintains its independence. Here, ecological identity is viewed as a global factor that explains most of the variation in specific aspects (enjoyment, respect, protection), while also acknowledging that these aspects are not fully correlated.
• Interpretation: In this model, the interpretation can focus on how each aspect of ecological identity behaves as a distinct factor that also contributes to the global ecological identity construct. Here, individual aspects (such as enjoyment of nature) are particularly highlighted and are not fully explained by the global factor.
• Example: In this case, we might conclude that while the student has a high global ecological identity, there may be differences in how they perceive various aspects of nature (e.g., they might enjoy nature more but participate less in environmental protection).

Key Differences in Interpretation:

• Second-order confirmatory factor analysis model suggests that the different aspects of ecological identity are connected and can be considered parts of a larger construct. The focus is on the global factor integrating all aspects.
• Bifactor model emphasizes the independence and autonomy of different aspects of ecological identity. Both the global factor and specific aspects are significant, but they are not fully dependent on each other, allowing for a more detailed interpretation of the different components.

Depending on your research goal, choosing between these two models will affect how you interpret the data. If you want to understand how aspects of ecological identity work together as one global construct, the second-order model would be appropriate. If you are interested in exploring how each aspect functions as a distinct element, but still contributes to the global factor, the bifactor model might be more suitable.