A Step-by-Step Guide to Exploratory Factor Analysis with R and RStudio

by Marley Watkins

Overview

This is a concise, easy to use, step-by-step guide for applied researchers conducting exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using the open source software R.

In this book, Dr. Watkins systematically reviews each decision step in EFA with screen shots of R and RStudio code, and recommends evidence-based best practice procedures. This is an eminently applied, practical approach with few or no formulas and is aimed at readers with little to no mathematical background. Dr. Watkins maintains an accessible tone throughout and uses minimal jargon and formula to help facilitate grasp of the key issues users will face while applying EFA, along with how to implement, interpret, and report results. Copious scholarly references and quotations are included to support the reader in responding to editorial reviews.

This is a valuable resource for upper-level undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as for more experienced researchers undertaking multivariate or structure equation modeling courses across the behavioral, medical, and social sciences.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780367634681
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	12/30/2020
Pages:	198
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Marley W. Watkins earned a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Measurements with a specialty in School Psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA. He is currently Research Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at Baylor University, USA, and has authored more than 200 articles, books, and chapters and presented more than 150 papers at professional conferences.

Table of Contents

List of Figures ix

Preface xi

1 Introduction 1

2 Data 7

3 R and RStudio Software 11

4 Importing and Saving Data and Results 22

5 Decision Steps in Exploratory Factor Analysis 31

6 Step 1: Variables to Include 34

7 Step 2: Participants 37

8 Step 3: Data Screening 41

9 Step 4: Is Exploratory Factor Analysis Appropriate 59

10 Step 5: Factor Analysis Model 63

11 Step 6: Factor Extraction Method 67

12 Step 7: How Many Factors to Retain 73

13 Step 8: Rotate Factors 83

14 Step 9: Interpret Exploratory Factor Analysis Results 89

15 Step 10: Report Exploratory Factor Analysis Results 104

16 Exploratory Factor Analysis with Categorical Variables 108

17 Higher-Order and Bifactor Models 126

18 Exploratory versus Confirmatory Factor Analysis 135

Practice Exercises 143

References and Resources 153

Index 176