Factor Analysis
Factor Analysis
This chapter presents basics of factor analysis modeling, focusing on its use and interpretations in scale and test development contexts. Two approaches to such analyses are discussed: exploratory factor analysis (EFA), in which one explores what factor structure the data represent; and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), where one attempts to confirm a hypothesized factor structure. Text and illustrations demonstrate how one can use factor analysis results for deciding which items should be retained or deleted from a scale or test instrument. Model fit evaluation is discussed through the chi-square statistic, as well as some fit indices and information criteria. Uses of a CFA with covariates (MIMIC) and multiple-group CFA approaches for measurement invariance studies are also demonstrated. Lastly, basics of item response theory (IRT) modeling are introduced by demonstrating its parameter estimation and interpretations.
Keywords: exploratory factor analysis, EFA, confirmatory factor analysis, CFA, fit indices, measurement invariance, CFA with covariates, MIMIC, multiple-group CFA, item response theory
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