An Easy Guide to Factor AnalysisFactor analysis is a statistical technique widely used in psychology and the social sciences. With the advent of powerful computers, factor analysis and other multivariate methods are now available to many more people. An Easy Guide to Factor Analysis presents and explains factor analysis as clearly and simply as possible. The author, Paul Kline, carefully defines all statistical terms and demonstrates step-by-step how to work out a simple example of principal components analysis and rotation. He further explains other methods of factor analysis, including confirmatory and path analysis, and concludes with a discussion of the use of the technique with various examples. An Easy Guide to Factor Analysis is the clearest, most comprehensible introduction to factor analysis for students. All those who need to use statistics in psychology and the social sciences will find it invaluable. Paul Kline is Professor of Psychometrics at the University of Exeter. He has been using and teaching factor analysis for thirty years. His previous books include Intelligence: the psychometric view (Routledge 1990) and The Handbook of Psychological Testing (Routledge 1992). |
Contents
A general description of factor analysis | 1 |
Statistical terms and concepts | 19 |
Principal components analysis | 33 |
Other methods of factor analysis | 42 |
Rotation of factors | 59 |
Confirmatory factor analysis and path analysis | 81 |
Factor analysis in test construction | 131 |
Factor analysis in a wider context | 141 |
Interpreting confirmatory and path analyses | 161 |
the use and abuse | 173 |
References | 185 |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
ability academic success algebra anxiety argued authoritarian authoritarian personality Cattell Chapter computed confirmatory analysis correlation matrix criterion diagonals discussed Easy Guide eigenvalues equations error example exploratory analysis exploratory factor analysis extracted extraversion factor loadings factor pattern factor scores factor space factor structure Figure five factors Hashemi hypotheses important indices of fit intelligence interpret items loading Kline large samples latent variables likelihood factor analysis Loehlin maximum likelihood factor means measures methods of condensation neuroticism number of factors Nunnally OATB oblique rotations obtained offenders path analysis path coefficients path diagram personality factors Plowden report points possible principal components analysis problems procedures psychological psychoticism Q factor reference vector replicable residual matrix rotated factors rotated to simple Scree test second-order factors selected self-monitoring shown significant simple structure factor social sciences solution squared statistical structure matrix subjects Table test construction variance zero δ δ δ