Choosing the Optimal Number of Factors in Exploratory Factor Analysis: A Model Selection Perspective

Autor/inn/en	Preacher, Kristopher J.; Zhang, Guangjian; Kim, Cheongtag; Mels, Gerhard
Titel	Choosing the Optimal Number of Factors in Exploratory Factor Analysis: A Model Selection Perspective
Quelle	In: Multivariate Behavioral Research, 48 (2013) 1, S.28-56 (29 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0027-3171
DOI	10.1080/00273171.2012.710386
Schlagwörter	Factor Analysis; Models; Selection; Goodness of Fit; Generalizability Theory; Selection Criteria; Behavior Problems; Questionnaires; High School Students; Colorado + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Faktorenanalyse; Analogiemodell; Auslese; Selection criterion; Auslesekriterium; Fragebogen; High school; High schools; Student; Students; Oberschule; Schüler; Schülerin; Studentin
Abstract	A central problem in the application of exploratory factor analysis is deciding how many factors to retain ("m"). Although this is inherently a model selection problem, a model selection perspective is rarely adopted for this task. We suggest that Cudeck and Henly's (1991) framework can be applied to guide the selection process. Researchers must first identify the analytic goal: identifying the (approximately) correct "m" or identifying the most replicable "m". Second, researchers must choose fit indices that are most congruent with their goal. Consistent with theory, a simulation study showed that different fit indices are best suited to different goals. Moreover, model selection with one goal in mind (e.g., identifying the approximately correct "m") will not necessarily lead to the same number of factors as model selection with the other goal in mind (e.g., identifying the most replicable "m"). We recommend that researchers more thoroughly consider what they mean by "the right number of factors" before they choose fit indices. (Contains 2 tables, 5 figures, and 5 footnotes.) (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	Psychology Press. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10