An Easy Guide to Factor Analysis

ISBN-13: 9780415094900 / Angielski / Miękka / 1993 / 208 str.

Paul Kline;Kline Paul

Opis

Factor analysis is a statistical technique widely used in psychology and the social sciences. With the advent of powerful computers, factor analysis and other multivariate methods are now available to many more people. This work aims to present and explain factor analysis as clearly and simply as possible. The author carefully defines all statistical terms and demonstrates, step-by-step, how to work out a simple example of principal components analysis and rotation. He further explains other methods of factor analysis, including confirmatory and path analysis, and concludes with a discussion of the use of the technique with various examples. This guide is designed as an introduction to factor analysis for students and all those who need to use statistics in psychology and the social sciences. The author's previous books include Intelligence: the psychometric view (Routledge 1990) and The Handbook of Psychological Testing (Routledge 1992).

Recenzje

'The book fulfils its purpose in that it does provide the reader with an easy guide to factor analysis. Terms and techniques are explained simply and clearly. There are good examples given about the application of factor analysis in a variety of contexts. ... Common mistakes and pitfalls are highlighted and advice is given about how to avoid them. For the beginner this book is ideal. Even for the more experienced researcher, the book may prove a valuable reference text.' - Personal Individual Difference

Spis treści

List of Figures and Tables 1. A General Description of Factor Analysis 2. Statistical Terms and Concepts 3. Principal Components Analysis 4. Other Methods of Factor Analysis 5. Rotation of Factors 6. Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Path Analysis 7. The Interpretation and Use of Factor Analysis: Examples from Personality Tests 8. Factor Analysis in Test Construction 9. Factor Analysis in a Wider Context 10. Interpreting Confirmatory and Path Analyses 11. Summary and Conclusions: The Use and Abuse of Factor Analysis in Research References Index

O autorze

Paul Kline is Professor of Psychometrics at the University of Exeter. He has been using and teaching factor analysis for thirty years. His previous books include Intelligence: the psychometric view (Routledge 1990) and The Handbook of Psychological Testing (Routledge 1992).