Factor Analysis

Posted: March 28th, 2022

In Module 5 we are going to be focusing on a specific type of factor analysis. Factor analysis is concerned only with establishing which linear component exists within the data and how a particular variable might contribute to that component.

During the first week of the module your task will be preparing the answers using reading relevant materials. You may discuss the questions with peers (post your questions). During the second week of the module you will write and post your answers to the questions based on the group discussion. Be sure that your posts are thoughtful, professional, and respectful.

Let us use this module’s Discussion to develop our conceptual understanding of factor analysis. In particular, let’s first differentiate between Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Provide an example.
When developing a questionnaire to see the relationship between the items in the questionnaire and underlying dimensions, we will use factor analysis to test the construction. Could we use it for testing survey validity? Why?
What is the minimum sample size for conducting factor analysis?

he following are optional resources for completing the case assignment.

Factor Analysis

Darlington, R. B. (2010). Factor Analysis. Retrieved November 10, 2010, from https://www.msu.edu/course/psy/818/deshon/Readings/Darlington%20%28%29%20-%20Factor%20Analysis.pdf

Laerd Statistics. (2018). Principal Components Analysis Using SPSS Statistics. Retrieved June 2018 from https://statistics.laerd.com/spss-tutorials/principal-components-analysis-pca-using-spss-statistics.php

StatSoft (2018). Principal Components and Factor Analysis. Retrieved June 2018 from
http://www.statsoft.com/Textbook/Principal-Components-Factor-Analysis

Write-up results of tables and figures in APA format:

Quick, D. (N/A) Making Tables and Figures. Retrieved July, 2018 from: http://web.cortland.edu/hendrick/APA%20Making%20Tables%20and%20Figures.pdf
Kirk, S. How to write the results section. Retrieved from July, 2018 from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKAJz3eNxbg