Factor analysis is widely utilized to identify latent factors underlying the observed variables. This paper presents a comprehensive comparative study of two widely used methods for determining the optimal number of factors in factor analysis, the K1 rule, and parallel analysis, along with a more recently developed method, the bass-ackward method.…

Selecting and applying appropriate research techniques, analysing data using information and communication technologies, transferring the obtained results of the analysis into tables and interpreting them are the performance indicators evaluated by the Ministry of National Education under teacher competencies. At the beginning of the courses that…

There is a lack of research on the effects of outliers on the decisions about the number of factors to retain in an exploratory factor analysis, especially for outliers arising from unintended and unknowingly included subpopulations. The purpose of the present research was to investigate how outliers from an unintended and unknowingly included…

When comparing latent variables among groups, it is important to first establish the equivalence or invariance of the measurement model across groups. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) is a commonly used methodological approach to examine measurement equivalence/invariance (ME/I). Within the CFA framework, the chi-square goodness-of-fit test and…

A "doubly-centered" raw data matrix is one for which both columns and rows have both unit variance and means equal to zero. The factor scores from one analysis are the same as factor pattern coefficients from the other analysis except for a variance adjustment. This study explored an extension of the reciprocity principle which may have…

Mathematical and statistical relationships between factor analysis and smallest space analysis are discussed. As spatial analysis of correlation matrices, factor analysis is a special case of smallest space analysis. The two differ in six ways: Shepard diagram, dimensionality, correction for communality, similarity coefficients, regions versus…

The Little Jiffy" consists of principal components analysis and varimax rotation of all components with eigenvalues greater than one. (DG)

In an analysis of multitrait-multimethod matrices the criteria for discriminant validity are shown to include a "structure" criterion as an invariance of traits structure to methods. The criterion is meant to fit data to an additive model with traits and methods but not interaction terms. The importance of the structure criterion and the…

The oblimax, promax, maxplane, and Harris-Kaiser techniques are compared. (Author)

New ways of using factor analysis in research designs are suggested in this paper that would allow research to move in new directions that are being suggested for educational technology. A brief simplified overview of factor-analytic techniques is given, followed by a description of some recent developments in factor-analytic techniques which make…

A very general model for the computation of independent cluster solutions in factor analysis is presented. The model is discussed as being either orthogonal or oblique. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that for every orthogonal independent cluster solution there is an oblique analog. Using three illustrative examples, certain generalities are made…

Results of this study suggest that certain kinds of treatment differences may be better uncovered by viewing test data in a repeated measures format. (Author/MB)

Presents the maximum likelihood factor structure of the Family Environment Scale. The first bipolar dimension, "cohesion v conflict," measures relationship-centered concerns, while the second unipolar dimension is an index of "organizational and control" activities. (Author)

The basic considerations that should be examined in performing an exploratory descriptive factor analysis of a communication concept are described in this paper. Factor analysis is a statistical technique designed to identify the fundamental, common elements within a pool of variables. For example, imagine asking students twenty questions all…