We illustrate the idiographic/nomothetic debate by comparing 3 approaches to using daily self-report data on affect for predicting relationship quality and breakup. The 3 approaches included (a) the first day in the series of daily data; (b) the mean and variability of the daily series; and (c) parameters from dynamic factor analysis, a…

A common problem in exploratory factor analysis is how many factors need to be extracted from a particular data set. We propose a new method for selecting the number of major common factors: the Hull method, which aims to find a model with an optimal balance between model fit and number of parameters. We examine the performance of the method in an…

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…

Analyzed choices made by researchers concerning factor model, retention criteria, rotation, interpretation of factors and other issues relevant to factor analysis. Results indicate that choices made by researchers have generally been poor and that reporting practices have not allowed for informed review, cumulation of results, or replicability.…

The values of computer-based content analysis techniques and the application of a variety of analytical methods in areas related to health education are discussed. (JD)

This is a research report concerned with the availability of computer programs which made it advisable to try not only the factors dictated by a criterion, but successive additional factors until the meaning of the pattern is clarified. Examples illustrate the application of sequential factor analyses using a principal axes solution and varimax…

Factor analysis of a 1978 survey of St. Louis shows that different age, race, and educational attainment segments have approximately the same patterns of interest, participation, and enjoyment in leisure activities. Leisure activities of four types of fine arts activities--arts, music-dance, visual arts, and nonarts types--are described.…

Investigators are urged to plan factor analytic studies prior to collecting the data, to formulate a hypothesized factor structure, to develop several relatively pure measures of each factor expected, and to select an appropriate sample of at least 200 cases. Continuous variables should be used rather than dichotomous variables. (Author)

A common problem in the behavioral sciences is to determine if a set of observed variables can be more parsimoniously represented by a smaller set of derived variables. To address this problem, the performance of five methods for determining the number of components to retain (Horn's parallel analysis, Velicer's Minimum Average Partial (MAP),…

In this study, the data originally used by Hemphill, Griffiths, and Frederiksen in their "Whittman" study of principals' behavior patterns were factor analyzed using psychometric techniques. Results of the analysis substantiated four of the eight originally defined dimensions of administrative behavior, and an additional important factor termed…

Distinctions between psychological versus task helping and attempted versus achieved help were applied to the helping behaviors of normal and retarded children of 2 age groups observed in natural settings. (Authors)

This document reviews the published empirical literature concerned with the relationship between self concept and academic achievement. The construct of self concept is discussed with regard to common uses, measurement, and experimental development. Descriptions of relevant studies are presented according to their experimental designs or methods…

Using a stepwise multiple regression analysis of data from a 1964-1965 national urban sample, the author identifies the social and demographic variables that best help to predict each of six factor-analytically derived dimensions of leisure activity. (Author/RM)

A study was conducted to examine the evaluative criteria or schemata that voters use in making decisions about competing candidates. More specifically, the study sought to determine (1) whether the criteria that voters employ differ between the candidates, and (2) the relative importance of various candidate-specific criteria in the voting…