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Exploratory Factor Analysis
- W. Holmes Finch - Ball State University, USA
Volume:
182
November 2019 | 144 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
A firm knowledge of factor analysis is key to understanding much published research in the social and behavioral sciences. Exploratory Factor Analysis by W. Holmes Finch provides a solid foundation in exploratory factor analysis (EFA), which along with confirmatory factor analysis, represents one of the two major strands in this field. The book lays out the mathematical foundations of EFA; explores the range of methods for extracting the initial factor structure; explains factor rotation; and outlines the methods for determining the number of factors to retain in EFA. The concluding chapter addresses a number of other key issues in EFA, such as determining the appropriate sample size for a given research problem, and the handling of missing data. It also offers brief introductions to exploratory structural equation modeling, and multilevel models for EFA. Example computer code, and the annotated output for all of the examples included in the text are available on an accompanying website.
Chapter One: Introduction to Factor Analysis
Latent and Observed Variables
The Importance of Theory in Doing Factor Analysis
Comparison of Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis
EFA and Other Multivariate Data Reduction Techniques
A Brief Word About Software
Outline of the Book
Chapter Two: Mathematical Underpinnings of Factor Analysis
Correlation and Covariance Matrices
The Common Factor Model
Correspondence Between the Factor Model and the Covariance Matrix
Eigenvalues
Error Variance and Communalities
Summary
Chapter Three: Methods of Factor Extraction in Exploratory Factor Analysis
Eigenvalues, Factor Loadings, and the Observed Correlation Matrix
Maximum Likelihood
Principal Axis Factoring
Principal Components Analysis
Principal Components Versus Factor Analysis
Other Factor Extraction Methods
Example
Summary
Chapter Four: Methods of Factor Rotation
Simple Structure
Orthogonal Versus Oblique Rotation Methods
Common Orthogonal Rotations
Common Oblique Rotations
Target Factor Rotation
Bifactor Rotation
Example
Deciding Which Rotation to Use
Summary
Appendix
Chapter Five: Methods for Determining the Number of Factors to Retain in Exploratory Factor Analysis
Scree Plot and Eigenvalue Greater Than 1 Rule
Objective Methods Based on the Scree Plot
Eigenvalues and the Proportion of Variance Explained
Residual Correlation Matrix
Chi-Square Goodness of Fit Test for Maximum Likelihood
Parallel Analysis
Minimum Average Partial
Very Simple Structure
Example
Summary
Chapter Six: Final Issues in Factor Analysis
Proper Reporting Practices for Factor Analysis
Factor Scores
Power Analysis and A Priori Sample Size Determination
Dealing With Missing Data
Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling
Multilevel EFA
Summary
Supplements
Resource Center
Example computer code, and the annotated output for all of the examples included in the text are available on the accompanying website.
Example computer code, and the annotated output for all of the examples included in the text are available on the accompanying website.
This text is a perfect resource for individuals seeking guidance on applied factor analysis, covering the fundamentals as well as introductions to more advanced aspects of factor analytic techniques.
Utah State University
Review
Finch provides a well-written and well-organized introduction to the conceptual and quantitative topics of exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis within a single, concise text.
Iowa State University
Review
This is a thorough and readable introduction to exploratory factor analysis
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Review
