Factor Analysis Support for UK Dissertation Research
Factor analysis dissertation UK projects use exploratory or confirmatory approaches for different purposes. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) investigates potential structure, while confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) evaluates a prespecified measurement model.
Decide Whether EFA or CFA Fits
Use EFA when the underlying structure is uncertain and the goal is exploration. Use CFA when theory or prior evidence specifies which items should load on which latent constructs.
Check Data and Sample Adequacy
Review item distributions, missing data, correlations and sample size in relation to the complexity of the model. Rules of thumb should not replace judgement about communalities, loadings and model stability.
EFA Decisions
Document the extraction method, number-of-factor decision and rotation. Interpret the pattern of loadings in relation to theory rather than using a single numerical cutoff mechanically.
CFA Decisions
For CFA, report model specification, estimator, fit evidence, factor loadings and any theoretically justified modifications. Avoid data-driven modifications that cannot be defended conceptually.
Connect Measurement to Later Analysis
Factor scores or scale scores used in regression or group comparisons should follow a clearly documented measurement decision.
Use Exploratory Factor Analysis in SPSS, Confirmatory Factor Analysis with SPSS AMOS and Sample Size for Factor Analysis Dissertation.