A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Oddi Continuing Learning Inventory (OCLI)

Oddi's 24-item Continuing Learning Inventory (OCLI) is an instrument that has been used frequently to measure self-directed learning. Although three previous studies have assessed OCLI's underlying dimensions, the conflicting results of those studies prompted this further investigation that used a series of factor analyses of the 250 responses from University of Toronto undergraduate medical students. Although exploratory factor analyses yielded results consistent with Oddi's empirically derived three-factor model, further analyses of the student responses suggested that OCLI's underlying dimensions are better described by four factors. This four-factor model was also identified through confirmatory factor analyses. These four underlying OCLI dimensions—Learning With Others, Learner Motivation/Self-Efficacy/Autonomy, Ability to be Self-Regulating, and Reading Avidity—provide further specificity and insights for examining and better understanding students' self-directed learning.