Factor Analysis Flashcards
Give two purposes of FA.
Reduce the number of variables and classify variables.
As well as providing a means to reduce the number of items, what must a factor be?
Meaningful.
Briefly describe the variance maximising procedure.
The first factor accounts for as much variance as possible, the second accounts for as much of the variance left as possible, and so on, until all variance is accounted for.
What are Eigenvalues?
A figure summarising how much variance a factor accounts for, so how statistically meaningful it is.
What is the key role of varimax rotation?
It keeps factors as diverse as possible.
Why would you use rotation?
To reveal clearer patterns and factor loadings.
Which can be correlated: Factor scores of composite scales?
Composite scales.
What type of data is needed for FA?
At least ordinal.
