ABSTRACT

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.

chapter 1|6 pages

Introduction

chapter 2|4 pages

Data

chapter 3|11 pages

R and RStudio Software

chapter 4|9 pages

Importing and Saving Data and Results

chapter 6|3 pages

Step 1

Variables to Include

chapter 7|4 pages

Step 2

Participants

chapter 8|18 pages

Step 3

Data Screening

chapter 9|4 pages

Step 4

Is Exploratory Factor Analysis Appropriate

chapter 10|4 pages

Step 5

Factor Analysis Model

chapter 11|6 pages

Step 6

Factor Extraction Method

chapter 12|10 pages

Step 7

How Many Factors to Retain

chapter 13|6 pages

Step 8

Rotate Factors

chapter 14|15 pages

Step 9

Interpret Exploratory Factor Analysis Results

chapter 15|4 pages

Step 10

Report Exploratory Factor Analysis Results

chapter 17|9 pages

Higher-Order and Bifactor Models

chapter |10 pages

Practice Exercises