ABSTRACT

Comprehensive and comprehensible, this classic text covers the basic and advanced topics essential for using factor analysis as a scientific tool in psychology, education, sociology, and related areas. Emphasizing the usefulness of the techniques, it presents sufficient mathematical background for understanding and applying its use. This includes the theory as well as the empirical evaluations. The overall goal is to show readers how to use factor analysis in their substantive research by highlighting when the differences in mathematical procedures have a major impact on the substantive conclusions, when the differences are not relevant, and when factor analysis might not be the best procedure to use.

Although the original version was written years ago, the book maintains its relevance today by providing readers with a thorough understanding of the basic mathematical models so they can easily apply these models to their own research. Readers are presented with a very complete picture of the "inner workings" of these methods. The new Introduction highlights the remarkably few changes that the author would make if he were writing the book today.

An ideal text for courses on factor analysis or as a supplement for multivariate analysis, structural equation modeling, or advanced quantitative techniques taught in psychology, education, and other social and behavioral sciences, researchers who use these techniques also appreciate this book’s thorough review of the basic models. Prerequisites include a graduate level course on statistics and a basic understanding of algebra. Sections with an asterisk can be skipped entirely if preferred.

chapter 1|14 pages

Introduction

chapter 2|24 pages

Basic Factor Models

chapter 3|21 pages

Matrix Algebra and Factor Analysis

chapter 4|17 pages

Geometric Representation of Factor Models

chapter 5|23 pages

Diagonal and Multiple- group Analysis

chapter 6|35 pages

Principal Factor Solutions

chapter 7|16 pages

Confi rmatory Maximum Likelihood Solutions

chapter 8|35 pages

Determining the Number of Factors

chapter 9|39 pages

Rotation and Interpretation of Factors

chapter 10|28 pages

*10 Rotation

chapter 11|19 pages

Higher- order Factors

chapter 12|21 pages

Factor Scores

chapter 13|14 pages

Relating Factors Across Studies

chapter 15|19 pages

Two- and Three-mode Factor Analysis

chapter 16|23 pages

The Replication and Invariance of Factors

chapter 17|20 pages

Factor Analysis as a Research Technique

chapter 18|13 pages

Epilogue