Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) is generally regarded as a technique for large sample sizes ("N"), with N = 50 as a reasonable absolute minimum. This study offers a comprehensive overview of the conditions in which EFA can yield good quality results for "N" below 50. Simulations were carried out to estimate the minimum required "N" for different…

A cross-validation method is described for selecting the significant components from a principal components analysis, and properties of the method are discussed. Parallels are drawn with other related methods in covariance structure modeling, and some comparisons among methods are illustrated with two data sets previously analyzed. (SLD)

The issue of indeterminacy in factor analysis and the debate between the proposed alternative solution and posterior moment position are explored in an article and 14 commentaries and rebuttals in two rounds. Implications for applied work involving factor analysis are discussed. (SLD)

An alternative to the PROMAX exploratory method is presented for constructing a target matrix in Procrustean rotation in factor analysis. A technique is proposed based on vector majorization. The approach is illustrated with several standard numerical examples. (SLD)

Whether "more is ever too much" for the number of indicators per factor in confirmatory factor analysis was studied by varying sample size and indicators per factor in 35,000 Monte Carlo solutions. Results suggest that traditional rules calling for fewer indicators for smaller sample size may be inappropriate. (SLD)

A method is presented that eliminates some interpretational limitations arising from assumptions implicit in the use of arbitrary rules of thumb to interpret exploratory factor analytic results. The bootstrap method is presented as a way of approximating sampling distributions of estimated factor loadings. Simulated datasets illustrate the…

Use of parallel analysis (PA), a selection rule for the number-of-factors problem, is investigated from the viewpoint of permutation assessment through a Monte Carlo simulation. Results reveal advantages and limitations of PA. Tables of sample eigenvalues are included. (SLD)

The factorial structure of the Rotter Internal-External (IE) scale was examined. While there was strong evidence against the unidimensionality of the Rotter scale, the findings suggested that the first-order factors do define a single higher-order construct that may represent the generalized IE construct. (Author/LMO)

Findings are reported for a cross-validated study of factorial validity and invariance of the Maslach Burnout Inventory across gender for elementary school teachers (742 males and 801 females) and secondary school teachers (659 males and 721 females). The study illustrates structural modeling methodology and use of multiple model-fitting criteria.…