Translation and Validation of the Farsi Version of the MACH-IV in an Iranian Sample

MACH-IV has been extensively used in personality psychology. The present study aimed to translate and validate MACH-IV in Iranian context.

Following a standard back-translation technique, MACH-IV was translated into Persian. A preliminary discussion group with 20 students from university of Tehran improved the readability of the scale. A sample of 299 participants was recruited using snowball sampling method. Item analysis, factor analysis, parallel analysis, convergent validity assessment, and internal consistency evaluation were performed to ensure validity and reliability of the Persian version of MACH-IV. Dirty Dozen (DD) was used as a convergent measure.

item analysis suggested that 3 items (items 14, 17, and 20) did not have psychometric sufficiency in Iranian context. Remaining 17 items were subjected to an exploratory factor analysis with varimax rotation. Parallel analysis suggested 2 factors to be retained. These two factors were labeled as cynical worldview and manipulative tendency. MACH-IV and its subscales converged with Machiavellianism subscale of DD strongly. Internal consistency coefficients of the two subscales and total MACH-IV were 0.73, 0.66, and 0.74 respectively.

the 17-item Persian version of the MACH-IV has adequate psychometric properties to be used in research and subclinical settings.