Factor Analysis Psychology Definition

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  factor analysis psychology definition: Making Sense of Factor Analysis Marjorie A. Pett, Nancy R. Lackey, John J. Sullivan, 2003-03-21 Many health care practitioners and researchers are aware of the need to employ factor analysis in order to develop more sensitive instruments for data collection. Unfortunately, factor analysis is not a unidimensional approach that is easily understood by even the most experienced of researchers. Making Sense of Factor Analysis: The Use of Factor Analysis for Instrument Development in Health Care Research presents a straightforward explanation of the complex statistical procedures involved in factor analysis. Authors Marjorie A. Pett, Nancy M. Lackey, and John J. Sullivan provide a step-by-step approach to analyzing data using statistical computer packages like SPSS and SAS. Emphasizing the interrelationship between factor analysis and test construction, the authors examine numerous practical and theoretical decisions that must be made to efficiently run and accurately interpret the outcomes of these sophisticated computer programs. This accessible volume will help both novice and experienced health care professionals to Increase their knowledge of the use of factor analysis in health care research Understand journal articles that report the use of factor analysis in test construction and instrument development Create new data collection instruments Examine the reliability and structure of existing health care instruments Interpret and report computer-generated output from a factor analysis run Making Sense of Factor Analysis: The Use of Factor Analysis for Instrument Development in Health Care Research offers a practical method for developing tests, validating instruments, and reporting outcomes through the use of factor analysis. To facilitate learning, the authors provide concrete testing examples, three appendices of additional information, and a glossary of key terms. Ideal for graduate level nursing students, this book is also an invaluable resource for health care researchers.
  factor analysis psychology definition: Exploratory Factor Analysis Leandre R. Fabrigar, Duane T. Wegener, 2012-01-12 This book provides a non-mathematical introduction to the theory and application of Exploratory Factor Analysis. Among the issues discussed are the use of confirmatory versus exploratory factor analysis, the use of principal components analysis versus common factor analysis, and procedures for determining the appropriate number of factors.
  factor analysis psychology definition: Statistics for Psychology Using R Vivek M. Belhekar, 2016-10-31 A unique textbook introducing and demonstrating the use of R in psychology. Statistics for Psychology Using R comprehensively covers standard statistical methods along with advanced topics such as multivariate techniques, factor analysis, and multiple regression widely used in the field of psychology and other social sciences. Its innovative structure and pedagogical approach coupled with numerous worked-out examples and self-assessment tests make it a user-friendly and easy-to-understand companion for students and scholars with limited background in statistics. The standout feature of this textbook is that it demonstrates the application of R—a free, flexible, and dynamically changing software for statistical computing and data analysis, which is becoming increasingly popular across social and behavioral sciences.
  factor analysis psychology definition: Handbook of Applied Multivariate Statistics and Mathematical Modeling Howard E.A. Tinsley, Steven D. Brown, 2000-05-22 Multivariate statistics and mathematical models provide flexible and powerful tools essential in most disciplines. Nevertheless, many practicing researchers lack an adequate knowledge of these techniques, or did once know the techniques, but have not been able to keep abreast of new developments. The Handbook of Applied Multivariate Statistics and Mathematical Modeling explains the appropriate uses of multivariate procedures and mathematical modeling techniques, and prescribe practices that enable applied researchers to use these procedures effectively without needing to concern themselves with the mathematical basis. The Handbook emphasizes using models and statistics as tools. The objective of the book is to inform readers about which tool to use to accomplish which task. Each chapter begins with a discussion of what kinds of questions a particular technique can and cannot answer. As multivariate statistics and modeling techniques are useful across disciplines, these examples include issues of concern in biological and social sciences as well as the humanities.
  factor analysis psychology definition: The General Factor of Personality Janek Musek, 2017-05-04 The General Factor of Personality improves our understanding of the personality structure and the relations between major personality dimensions, as well as major dimensions of the entire non-cognitive sphere of psychological variables. The results of the empirical testing and theoretical evaluations in this book contribute to the more comprehensive and precise theoretical framework of the General Factor of Personality (GFP) and that of the entire personality structure. Additionally, the book answers some unresolved questions concerning the nature of the GFP, including whether it is based more on correlations in real behavior or on other less substantial factors between lower-order dimensions of personality. This book is crucially important not only for theoretical reasons, but also for the tremendous practical and applied value of the assumed general dimension of personality. As a common denominator of all the most important fields of personality beyond cognition (Big Five, well-being, coping, emotionality, motivation, self-concept, self-esteem, control, wisdom and others), the GFP represents an extremely strong single predictor of the quality of life, mental health and well-being, career, academic success, and the quality of family and interpersonal relations. - Reviews the theoretical and methodological work on the General Factor of Personality (GFP) - Presents major research results in the field of GFP and the dimensional structure of personality - Provides a balanced and objective approach to the topic of GFP, addressing criticisms and controversies - Considers the practical and applied aspects of this research - Draws conclusions on the bioevolutionary model of GFP to give a more thorough understanding of biological bases of human personality
  factor analysis psychology definition: Handbook of Research Methods in Personality Psychology Richard W. Robins, R. Chris Fraley, Robert F. Krueger, 2009-12-09 Bringing together leading investigators, this comprehensive handbook is a one-stop reference for anyone planning or conducting research on personality. It provides up-to-date analyses of the rich array of methodological tools available today, giving particular attention to real-world theoretical and logistical challenges and how to overcome them. In chapters filled with detailed, practical examples, readers are shown step by step how to formulate a suitable research design, select and use high-quality measures, and manage the complexities of data analysis and interpretation. Coverage ranges from classic methods like self-report inventories and observational procedures to such recent innovations as neuroimaging and genetic analyses.
  factor analysis psychology definition: An Easy Guide to Factor Analysis Paul Kline, 2014-02-25 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. An Easy Guide to Factor Analysis presents and explains factor analysis as clearly and simply as possible. The author, Paul Kline, 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. An Easy Guide to Factor Analysis is the clearest, most comprehensible introduction to factor analysis for students. All those who need to use statistics in psychology and the social sciences will find it invaluable. 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).
  factor analysis psychology definition: Statistics for Marketing and Consumer Research Mario Mazzocchi, 2008-05-22 Balancing simplicity with technical rigour, this practical guide to the statistical techniques essential to research in marketing and related fields, describes each method as well as showing how they are applied. The book is accompanied by two real data sets to replicate examples and with exercises to solve, as well as detailed guidance on the use of appropriate software including: - 750 powerpoint slides with lecture notes and step-by-step guides to run analyses in SPSS (also includes screenshots) - 136 multiple choice questions for tests This is augmented by in-depth discussion of topics including: - Sampling - Data management and statistical packages - Hypothesis testing - Cluster analysis - Structural equation modelling
  factor analysis psychology definition: Factor Analysis and Related Methods Roderick P. McDonald, 1985 First Published in 1985. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.
  factor analysis psychology definition: Factor Analysis Edward E. Cureton, Ralph B. D'Agostino, 2013-11-19 First published in 1993. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.
  factor analysis psychology definition: The Wiley Handbook of Psychometric Testing Paul Irwing, Tom Booth, David J. Hughes, 2018-03-14 A must-have resource for researchers, practitioners, and advanced students interested or involved in psychometric testing Over the past hundred years, psychometric testing has proved to be a valuable tool for measuring personality, mental ability, attitudes, and much more. The word ‘psychometrics’ can be translated as ‘mental measurement’; however, the implication that psychometrics as a field is confined to psychology is highly misleading. Scientists and practitioners from virtually every conceivable discipline now use and analyze data collected from questionnaires, scales, and tests developed from psychometric principles, and the field is vibrant with new and useful methods and approaches. This handbook brings together contributions from leading psychometricians in a diverse array of fields around the globe. Each provides accessible and practical information about their specialist area in a three-step format covering historical and standard approaches, innovative issues and techniques, and practical guidance on how to apply the methods discussed. Throughout, real-world examples help to illustrate and clarify key aspects of the topics covered. The aim is to fill a gap for information about psychometric testing that is neither too basic nor too technical and specialized, and will enable researchers, practitioners, and graduate students to expand their knowledge and skills in the area. Provides comprehensive coverage of the field of psychometric testing, from designing a test through writing items to constructing and evaluating scales Takes a practical approach, addressing real issues faced by practitioners and researchers Provides basic and accessible mathematical and statistical foundations of all psychometric techniques discussed Provides example software code to help readers implement the analyses discussed
  factor analysis psychology definition: Individual Differences and Personality Michael C. Ashton, 2013-03-21 How do we come to be who we are? Why do we differ in our personalities? How do these differences matter in life? Individual Differences and Personality aims to describe how and why personality varies among people. Unlike books that focus on individual theorists, this book focuses on current research and theory on the nature of personality and related individual differences. The book begins by discussing how personality is measured, the concept of a personality trait, and the basic dimensions of personality. This leads to a discussion of the origins of personality, with descriptions of its developmental course, its biological causes, its genetic and environmental influences, and its evolutionary function. The concept of a personality disorder is then described, followed by a discussion of the influence of personality on life outcomes in relationships, work, and health. Finally, the book examines the important differences between individuals in the realms of mental abilities, of beliefs and attitudes, and of behavior. - Presents a scientific approach to personality and related individual differences, as well as theory and research on the fundamental questions about human psychological variation - New edition presents findings from dozens of new research studies of the past six years - Includes new chapter on vocational interests and a revised chapter on personality disorders reflecting DSM-5 formulation - Contains streamlined descriptions of measurement concepts and heritability research - Includes various boxes containing interesting asides that help to maintain the student's attention
  factor analysis psychology definition: Factor Analysis Jae-On Kim, Charles W. Mueller, 1978-11 Describes various commonly used methods of initial factoring and factor rotation. In addition to a full discussion of exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and various methods of constructing factor scales are also presented.
  factor analysis psychology definition: The Measurement of Health and Health Status Paul Krabbe, 2016-10-07 The Measurement of Health and Health Status: Concepts, Methods and Applications from a Multidisciplinary Perspective presents a unifying perspective on how to select the best measurement framework for any situation. Serving as a one-stop shop that unifies material currently available in various locations, this book illuminates the intuition behind each method, explaining how each method has special purposes, what developments are occurring, and how new combinations among methods might be relevant to specific situations. It especially emphasizes the measurement of health and health states (quality-of-life), giving significant attention to newly developed methods. The book introduces technically complex, new methods for both introductory and technically-proficient readers. - Assumes that the best measure depends entirely on the situation - Covers preference-based methods, classical test theory, and item response theory - Features illustrations and animations drawn from diverse fields and disciplines
  factor analysis psychology definition: Communication Research Statistics John C. Reinard, 2006-04-20 While most books on statistics seem to be written as though targeting other statistics professors, John Reinard′s Communication Research Statistics is especially impressive because it is clearly intended for the student reader, filled with unusually clear explanations and with illustrations on the use of SPSS. I enjoyed reading this lucid, student-friendly book and expect students will benefit enormously from its content and presentation. Well done! --John C. Pollock, The College of New Jersey Written in an accessible style using straightforward and direct language, Communication Research Statistics guides students through the statistics actually used in most empirical research undertaken in communication studies. This introductory textbook is the only work in communication that includes details on statistical analysis of data with a full set of data analysis instructions based on SPSS 12 and Excel XP. Key Features: Emphasizes basic and introductory statistical thinking: The basic needs of novice researchers and students are addressed, while underscoring the foundational elements of statistical analyses in research. Students learn how statistics are used to provide evidence for research arguments and how to evaluate such evidence for themselves. Prepares students to use statistics: Students are encouraged to use statistics as they encounter and evaluate quantitative research. The book details how statistics can be understood by developing actual skills to carry out rudimentary work. Examples are drawn from mass communication, speech communication, and communication disorders. Incorporates SPSS 12 and Excel: A distinguishing feature is the inclusion of coverage of data analysis by use of SPSS 12 and by Excel. Information on the use of major computer software is designed to let students use such tools immediately. Companion Web Site! A dedicated Web site includes a glossary, data sets, chapter summaries, additional readings, links to other useful sites, selected calculators for computation of related statistics, additional macros for selected statistics using Excel and SPSS, and extra chapters on multiple discriminant analysis and loglinear analysis. Intended Audience: Ideal for undergraduate and graduate courses in Communication Research Statistics or Methods; also relevant for many Research Methods courses across the social sciences
  factor analysis psychology definition: A Step-by-Step Approach to Using SAS for Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling Larry Hatcher, Norm O'Rourke, 2013-03-01 Annotation Structural equation modeling (SEM) has become one of the most important statistical procedures in the social and behavioral sciences. This easy-to-understand guide makes SEM accessible to all userseven those whose training in statistics is limited or who have never used SAS. It gently guides users through the basics of using SAS and shows how to perform some of the most sophisticated data-analysis procedures used by researchers: exploratory factor analysis, path analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling. It shows how to perform analyses with user-friendly PROC CALIS, and offers solutions for problems often encountered in real-world research. This second edition contains new material on sample-size estimation for path analysis and structural equation modeling. In a single user-friendly volume, students and researchers will find all the information they need in order to master SAS basics before moving on to factor analysis, path analysis, and other advanced statistical procedures.
  factor analysis psychology definition: Introduction to Statistics in Psychology Dennis Howitt, Duncan Cramer, 2008 Introduction to Statistics in Psychology4th edition is the complete guide to statistics for psychology students. Its range is exceptional in order to meet student needs throughout their undergraduate degree and beyond. By keeping to simple mathematics, step by step explanations of all the important statistical concepts, tests and procedures ensure that students understand data analysis properly. Pedagogical features such as ‘research design issues’, ‘calculations’ and the advice boxes help structure study into manageable sections whilst the overview and key points help with revision. Plus this 4th edition includes even more examples to bring to life how different statistical tests can be used in different areas of psychology.
  factor analysis psychology definition: Confirmatory Factor Analysis for Applied Research, Second Edition Timothy A. Brown, 2015-01-07 This accessible book has established itself as the go-to resource on confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) for its emphasis on practical and conceptual aspects rather than mathematics or formulas. Detailed, worked-through examples drawn from psychology, management, and sociology studies illustrate the procedures, pitfalls, and extensions of CFA methodology. The text shows how to formulate, program, and interpret CFA models using popular latent variable software packages (LISREL, Mplus, EQS, SAS/CALIS); understand the similarities ...
  factor analysis psychology definition: The Psychology of Humor Rod A. Martin, Thomas Ford, 2018-07-14 Most of us laugh at something funny multiple times during a typical day. Humor serves multiple purposes, and although there is a sizable and expanding research literature on the subject, the research is spread in a variety of disciplines. The Psychology of Humor, 2e reviews the literature, integrating research from across subdisciplines in psychology, as well as related fields such as anthropology, biology, computer science, linguistics, sociology, and more. This book begins by defining humor and presenting theories of humor. Later chapters cover cognitive processes involved in humor and the effects of humor on cognition. Individual differences in personality and humor are identified as well as the physiology of humor, the social functions of humor, and how humor develops and changes over the lifespan. This book concludes noting the association of humor with physical and mental health, and outlines applications of humor use in psychotherapy, education, and the workplace. In addition to being fully updated with recent research, the second edition includes a variety of new materials. More graphs, tables, and figures now illustrate concepts, processes, and theories. It provides new brief interviews with prominent humor scholars via text boxes. The end of each chapter now includes a list of key concepts, critical thinking questions, and a list of resources for further reading. - Covers research on humor and laughter in every area of psychology - Integrates research findings into a coherent conceptual framework - Includes brain imaging studies, evolutionary models, and animal research - Integrates related information from sociology, linguistics, neuroscience, and anthropology - Explores applications of humor in psychotherapy, education, and the workplace - Provides new research, plus key concepts and chapter summaries
  factor analysis psychology definition: Best Practices in Exploratory Factor Analysis Jason W. Osborne, 2014-07-23 Best Practices in Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) is a practitioner-oriented look at this popular and often-misunderstood statistical technique. We avoid formulas and matrix algebra, instead focusing on evidence-based best practices so you can focus on getting the most from your data.Each chapter reviews important concepts, uses real-world data to provide authentic examples of analyses, and provides guidance for interpreting the results of these analysis. Not only does this book clarify often-confusing issues like various extraction techniques, what rotation is really rotating, and how to use parallel analysis and MAP criteria to decide how many factors you have, but it also introduces replication statistics and bootstrap analysis so that you can better understand how precisely your data are helping you estimate population parameters. Bootstrap analysis also informs readers of your work as to the likelihood of replication, which can give you more credibility. At the end of each chapter, the author has recommendations as to how to enhance your mastery of the material, including access to the data sets used in the chapter through his web site. Other resources include syntax and macros for easily incorporating these progressive aspects of exploratory factor analysis into your practice. The web site will also include enrichment activities, answer keys to select exercises, and other resources. The fourth best practices book by the author, Best Practices in Exploratory Factor Analysis continues the tradition of clearly-written, accessible guides for those just learning quantitative methods or for those who have been researching for decades.NEW in August 2014! Chapters on factor scores, higher-order factor analysis, and reliability. Chapters: 1 INTRODUCTION TO EXPLORATORY FACTOR ANALYSIS 2 EXTRACTION AND ROTATION 3 SAMPLE SIZE MATTERS 4 REPLICATION STATISTICS IN EFA 5 BOOTSTRAP APPLICATIONS IN EFA 6 DATA CLEANING AND EFA 7 ARE FACTOR SCORES A GOOD IDEA? 8 HIGHER ORDER FACTORS 9 AFTER THE EFA: INTERNAL CONSISTENCY 10 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
  factor analysis psychology definition: A Step-by-Step Guide to Exploratory Factor Analysis with R and RStudio Marley Watkins, 2020-12-29 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.
  factor analysis psychology definition: Factor Analysis Richard L. Gorsuch, 2014-11-27 Comprehensive and comprehensible, this classic text covers the basic and advanced topics essential for using factor analysis as a scientific tool in psychology, education, sociology, and related areas. Emphasizing the usefulness of the techniques, it presents sufficient mathematical background for understanding and applying its use. This includes the theory as well as the empirical evaluations. The overall goal is to show readers how to use factor analysis in their substantive research by highlighting when the differences in mathematical procedures have a major impact on the substantive conclusions, when the differences are not relevant, and when factor analysis might not be the best procedure to use. Although the original version was written years ago, the book maintains its relevance today by providing readers with a thorough understanding of the basic mathematical models so they can easily apply these models to their own research. Readers are presented with a very complete picture of the inner workings of these methods. The new Introduction highlights the remarkably few changes that the author would make if he were writing the book today. An ideal text for courses on factor analysis or as a supplement for multivariate analysis, structural equation modeling, or advanced quantitative techniques taught in psychology, education, and other social and behavioral sciences, researchers who use these techniques also appreciate this book’s thorough review of the basic models. Prerequisites include a graduate level course on statistics and a basic understanding of algebra. Sections with an asterisk can be skipped entirely if preferred.
  factor analysis psychology definition: Handbook of Latent Variable and Related Models , 2011-08-11 This Handbook covers latent variable models, which are a flexible class of models for modeling multivariate data to explore relationships among observed and latent variables. - Covers a wide class of important models - Models and statistical methods described provide tools for analyzing a wide spectrum of complicated data - Includes illustrative examples with real data sets from business, education, medicine, public health and sociology. - Demonstrates the use of a wide variety of statistical, computational, and mathematical techniques.
  factor analysis psychology definition: Scale Construction and Psychometrics for Social and Personality Psychology Mike Furr, 2011-02-15 Providing conceptual and practical foundations in scale construction and psychometrics for producers and consumers of social/personality research, this guide covers basic principles, practices, and processes in scale construction, scale evaluation, scale use, and interpretation of research results in the context of psychological measurement. It explains fundamental concepts and methods related to dimensionality, reliability, and validity. In addition, it provides relatively non-technical introductions to special topics and advanced psychometric perspectives such as Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Generalizability Theory, and Item Response Theory. The SAGE Library in Social and Personality Psychology Methods provides students and researchers with an understanding of the methods and techniques essential to conducting cutting-edge research. Each volume within the Library explains a specific topic and has been written by an active scholar (or scholars) with expertise in that particular methodological domain. Assuming no prior knowledge of the topic, the volumes are clear and accessible for all readers. In each volume, a topic is introduced, applications are discussed, and readers are led step by step through worked examples. In addition, advice about how to interpret and prepare results for publication are presented.
  factor analysis psychology definition: The G Factor Arthur R. Jensen, 1998-02-28 However, Jensen does not draw back from its most controversial conclusions - that the average differences in IQ and other abilities found between sexes and racial groups have a substantial hereditary component, and that these differences have important societal consequences.
  factor analysis psychology definition: Applied Factor Analysis in the Natural Sciences Richard A. Reyment, K. G. Jvreskog, 1996-09-28 This graduate-level text aims to introduce students of the natural sciences to the powerful technique of factor analysis and to provide them with the background necessary to be able to undertake analyses on their own. A thoroughly updated and expanded version of the authors' successful textbook on geological factor analysis, this book draws on examples from botany, zoology, ecology, and oceanography, as well as geology. Applied multivariate statistics has grown into a research area of almost unlimited potential in the natural sciences. The methods introduced in this book, such as classical principal components, principal component factor analysis, principal coordinate analysis, and correspondence analysis, can reduce masses of data to manageable and interpretable form. Q-mode and Q-R-mode methods are also presented. Special attention is given to methods of robust estimation and the identification of atypical and influential observations. Throughout the book, the emphasis is on application rather than theory.
  factor analysis psychology definition: Learning Statistics with R Daniel Navarro, 2013-01-13 Learning Statistics with R covers the contents of an introductory statistics class, as typically taught to undergraduate psychology students, focusing on the use of the R statistical software and adopting a light, conversational style throughout. The book discusses how to get started in R, and gives an introduction to data manipulation and writing scripts. From a statistical perspective, the book discusses descriptive statistics and graphing first, followed by chapters on probability theory, sampling and estimation, and null hypothesis testing. After introducing the theory, the book covers the analysis of contingency tables, t-tests, ANOVAs and regression. Bayesian statistics are covered at the end of the book. For more information (and the opportunity to check the book out before you buy!) visit http://ua.edu.au/ccs/teaching/lsr or http://learningstatisticswithr.com
  factor analysis psychology definition: Latent Variable Models and Factor Analysis David J. Bartholomew, Martin Knott, 1999-08-10 Hitherto latent variable modelling has hovered on the fringes of the statistical mainstream but if the purpose of statistics is to deal with real problems, there is every reason for it to move closer to centre stage. In the social sciences especially, latent variables are common and if they are to be handled in a truly scientific manner, statistical theory must be developed to include them. This book aims to show how that should be done. This second edition is a complete re-working of the book of the same name which appeared in the Griffin’s Statistical Monographs in 1987. Since then there has been a surge of interest in latent variable methods which has necessitated a radical revision of the material but the prime object of the book remains the same. It provides a unified and coherent treatment of the field from a statistical perspective. This is achieved by setting up a sufficiently general framework to enable the derivation of the commonly used models. The subsequent analysis is then done wholly within the realm of probability calculus and the theory of statistical inference. Numerical examples are provided as well as the software to carry them out ( where this is not otherwise available). Additional data sets are provided in some cases so that the reader can aquire a wider experience of analysis and interpretation.
  factor analysis psychology definition: Encyclopedia of Quality of Life and Well-Being Research Alex C. Michalos, 2014-02-12 The aim of this encyclopedia is to provide a comprehensive reference work on scientific and other scholarly research on the quality of life, including health-related quality of life research or also called patient-reported outcomes research. Since the 1960s two overlapping but fairly distinct research communities and traditions have developed concerning ideas about the quality of life, individually and collectively, one with a fairly narrow focus on health-related issues and one with a quite broad focus. In many ways, the central issues of these fields have roots extending to the observations and speculations of ancient philosophers, creating a continuous exploration by diverse explorers in diverse historic and cultural circumstances over several centuries of the qualities of human existence. What we have not had so far is a single, multidimensional reference work connecting the most salient and important contributions to the relevant fields. Entries are organized alphabetically and cover basic concepts, relatively well established facts, lawlike and causal relations, theories, methods, standardized tests, biographic entries on significant figures, organizational profiles, indicators and indexes of qualities of individuals and of communities of diverse sizes, including rural areas, towns, cities, counties, provinces, states, regions, countries and groups of countries.
  factor analysis psychology definition: Multivariate Analysis Klaus Backhaus, Bernd Erichson, Sonja Gensler, Rolf Weiber, Thomas Weiber, 2021-10-13 Data can be extremely valuable if we are able to extract information from them. This is why multivariate data analysis is essential for business and science. This book offers an easy-to-understand introduction to the most relevant methods of multivariate data analysis. It is strictly application-oriented, requires little knowledge of mathematics and statistics, demonstrates the procedures with numerical examples and illustrates each method via a case study solved with IBM’s statistical software package SPSS. Extensions of the methods and links to other procedures are discussed and recommendations for application are given. An introductory chapter presents the basic ideas of the multivariate methods covered in the book and refreshes statistical basics which are relevant to all methods. Contents Introduction to empirical data analysis Regression analysis Analysis of variance Discriminant analysis Logistic regression Contingency analysis Factor analysis Cluster analysis Conjoint analysis The original German version is now available in its 16th edition. In 2015, this book was honored by the Federal Association of German Market and Social Researchers as “the textbook that has shaped market research and practice in German-speaking countries”. A Chinese version is available in its 3rd edition. On the website www.multivariate-methods.info, the authors further analyze the data with Excel and R and provide additional material to facilitate the understanding of the different multivariate methods. In addition, interactive flashcards are available to the reader for reviewing selected focal points. Download the Springer Nature Flashcards App and use exclusive content to test your knowledge.
  factor analysis psychology definition: Measuring and Analyzing Behavior in Organizations Fritz Drasgow, 2002 This title brings together advances in measurement and data analysis and discusses the range of problems that can be addressed with these approaches. It examines most important areas of measurement, applied statistics, research methods, and data analysis.
  factor analysis psychology definition: Close Relationships Patricia Noller, Judith A. Feeney, 2013-05-13 Close Relationships: Functions, Forms and Processes provides an overview of current theory and research in the area of close relationships, written by internationally renowned scholars whose work is at the cutting edge of research in the field. The volume consists of three sections: introductory issues, types of relationships, and relationship processes. In the first section, there is an exploration of the functions and benefits of close relationships, the diversity of methodologies used to study them, and the changing social context in which close relationships are embedded. A second section examines the various types of close relationships, including family bonds and friendships. The third section focuses on key relationship processes, including attachment, intimacy, sexuality, and conflict. This book is designed to be an essential resource for senior undergraduate and postgraduate students, researchers, and practitioners, and will be suitable as a resource in advanced courses dealing with the social psychology of close relationships.
  factor analysis psychology definition: Modern Psychometrics with R Patrick Mair, 2018-09-20 This textbook describes the broadening methodology spectrum of psychological measurement in order to meet the statistical needs of a modern psychologist. The way statistics is used, and maybe even perceived, in psychology has drastically changed over the last few years; computationally as well as methodologically. R has taken the field of psychology by storm, to the point that it can now safely be considered the lingua franca for statistical data analysis in psychology. The goal of this book is to give the reader a starting point when analyzing data using a particular method, including advanced versions, and to hopefully motivate him or her to delve deeper into additional literature on the method. Beginning with one of the oldest psychometric model formulations, the true score model, Mair devotes the early chapters to exploring confirmatory factor analysis, modern test theory, and a sequence of multivariate exploratory method. Subsequent chapters present special techniques useful for modern psychological applications including correlation networks, sophisticated parametric clustering techniques, longitudinal measurements on a single participant, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. In addition to using real-life data sets to demonstrate each method, the book also reports each method in three parts-- first describing when and why to apply it, then how to compute the method in R, and finally how to present, visualize, and interpret the results. Requiring a basic knowledge of statistical methods and R software, but written in a casual tone, this text is ideal for graduate students in psychology. Relevant courses include methods of scaling, latent variable modeling, psychometrics for graduate students in Psychology, and multivariate methods in the social sciences.
  factor analysis psychology definition: Psychometrics R. Michael Furr, 2017-11-17 Using a meaning-based approach that emphasizes the “why” over the “how to,” Psychometrics: An Introduction provides thorough coverage of fundamental issues in psychological measurement. Author R. Michael Furr discusses traditional psychometric perspectives and issues including reliability, validity, dimensionality, test bias, and response bias as well as advanced procedures and perspectives including item response theory and generalizability theory. The substantially updated Third Edition includes broader and more in-depth coverage with new references, a glossary summarizing over 200 key terms, and expanded suggested readings consisting of highly relevant papers to enhance the book’s overall accessibility, scope, and usability.
  factor analysis psychology definition: Typologies and Taxonomies Kenneth D. Bailey, 1994-06-13 How do we group different subjects on a variety of variables? Should we use a classification procedure in which only the concepts are classified (typology), one in which only empirical entities are classified (taxonomy), or some combination of both? In this clearly written book, Bailey addresses these questions and shows how classification methods can be used to improve research. Beginning with an exploration of the advantages and disadvantages of classification procedures including those typologies that can be constructed without the use of a computer, the book covers such topics as clustering procedures (including agglomerative and divisive methods), the relationship among various classification techniques (including the relationship of monothetic, qualitative typologies to polythetic, quantitative taxonomies), a comparison of clustering methods and how these methods compare with related statistical techniques such as factor analysis, multidimensional scaling and systems analysis, and lists classification resources. This volume also discusses software packages for use in clustering techniques.
  factor analysis psychology definition: Statistical Approaches to Measurement Invariance Roger E. Millsap, 2012-03-29 This book reviews the statistical procedures used to detect measurement bias. Measurement bias is examined from a general latent variable perspective so as to accommodate different forms of testing in a variety of contexts including cognitive or clinical variables, attitudes, personality dimensions, or emotional states. Measurement models that underlie psychometric practice are described, including their strengths and limitations. Practical strategies and examples for dealing with bias detection are provided throughout. The book begins with an introduction to the general topic, followed by a review of the measurement models used in psychometric theory. Emphasis is placed on latent variable models, with introductions to classical test theory, factor analysis, and item response theory, and the controversies associated with each, being provided. Measurement invariance and bias in the context of multiple populations is defined in chapter 3 followed by chapter 4 that describes the common factor model for continuous measures in multiple populations and its use in the investigation of factorial invariance. Identification problems in confirmatory factor analysis are examined along with estimation and fit evaluation and an example using WAIS-R data. The factor analysis model for discrete measures in multiple populations with an emphasis on the specification, identification, estimation, and fit evaluation issues is addressed in the next chapter. An MMPI item data example is provided. Chapter 6 reviews both dichotomous and polytomous item response scales emphasizing estimation methods and model fit evaluation. The use of models in item response theory in evaluating invariance across multiple populations is then described, including an example that uses data from a large-scale achievement test. Chapter 8 examines item bias evaluation methods that use observed scores to match individuals and provides an example that applies item response theory to data introduced earlier in the book. The book concludes with the implications of measurement bias for the use of tests in prediction in educational or employment settings. A valuable supplement for advanced courses on psychometrics, testing, measurement, assessment, latent variable modeling, and/or quantitative methods taught in departments of psychology and education, researchers faced with considering bias in measurement will also value this book.
  factor analysis psychology definition: Places Rated Almanac David Savageau, 1993 This sometimes controversial bestseller, completely updated with all new statistics, is packed with timely facts and unbiased information on more than 300 metropolitan areas in the U.S. and Canada. Each city is ranked according to costs of living, crime rates, cultural life, and environmental factors.
  factor analysis psychology definition: Introduction to Factor Analysis Jae-On Kim, Charles W. Mueller, 1978-11 Describes the mathematical and logical foundations at a level that does not presume advanced mathematical or statistical skills. It illustrates how to do factor analysis with several of the more popular packaged computer programs.
  factor analysis psychology definition: Modern Factor Analysis Harry Horace Harman, 2003-01-01
  factor analysis psychology definition: Encyclopedia of Social Measurement Kimberly Kempf-Leonard, 2005 The Encyclopedia of Social Measurement captures the data, techniques, theories, designs, applications, histories, and implications of assigning numerical values to social phenomena. Responding to growing demands for transdisciplinary descriptions of quantitative and qualitative techniques, measurement, sampling, and statistical methods, it will increase the proficiency of everyone who gathers and analyzes data. Covering all core social science disciplines, the 300+ articles of the Encyclopedia of Social Measurement not only present a comprehensive summary of observational frameworks and mathematical models, but also offer tools, background information, qualitative methods, and guidelines for structuring the research process. Articles include examples and applications of research strategies and techniques, highlighting multidisciplinary options for observing social phenomena. The alphabetical arrangement of the articles, their glossaries and cross-references, and the volumes' detailed index will encourage exploration across the social sciences. Descriptions of important data sets and case studies will help readers understand resources they can often instantly access. Also available online via ScienceDirect - featuring extensive browsing, searching, and internal cross-referencing between articles in the work, plus dynamic linking to journal articles and abstract databases, making navigation flexible and easy. For more information, pricing options and availability visit www.info.sciencedirect.com. Introduces readers to the advantages and potential of specific techniques and suggests additional sources that readers can then consult to learn more Conveys a range of basic to complex research issues in sufficient detail to explain even the most complicated statistical technique. Readers are provided with references for further information Eleven substantive sections delineate social sciences and the research processes they follow to measure and provide new knowledge on a wide range of topics Authors are prominent scholars and methodologists from all social science fields Within each of the sections important components of quantitative and qualitative research methods are dissected and illustrated with examples from diverse fields of study Actual research experiences provide useful examples
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Since our inception in 1979, FACTOR® has been committed to providing companies in the petroleum marketing and convenience store industries with proven industry-leading software, …

FACTOR, INC. - LinkedIn
Formerly named Visual Risk Technologies, FACTOR has been solving challenging risk management problems in the transportation, energy, chemical, insurance, and public sectors …

Factor Corp - LinkedIn
Developing Futures, Building Today | Factor Corp is at the forefront of property development and construction, crafting innovative spaces that elevate lifestyles and set new benchmarks in quality.

FACTOR GROUP LLC - LinkedIn
Factor Group is proud to have been named one of Florida’s Best Companies to Work For in 2009. We have a team of over 150 employees and offices in the United States and Latin America.

Factor - LinkedIn
Factor | 1,416 followers on LinkedIn. Unlocking the hidden insights that enable marketing leaders to make trusted decisions and drive success. | Factor is your go-to data librarian.

Factor Fellowship - LinkedIn
The Factor Fellowship connects New York’s diverse high-performing emerging leaders to careers in startups. | Built by NYC VCs and startups, Factor connects top talent to startup careers.

Factor San Francisco - LinkedIn
Factor makes the internet beautiful. And businesses more profitable. We're a results-driven creative agency, with fully-remote talent working across the US and Canada.