ABSTRACT
Chapter 5: Exploratory Factor Analysis-Basics So far, we have discussed cases in which a specific hypothesized model is fit to the data. Suppose that we have a path diagram consisting of arrows from X and Y pointing to Z. The theory, represented in the path diagram, indicates that X and Y are independent causes, and the sole causes, of Z. The qualitative features of the situation are thus spelled out in advance, and the question we ask is, does this model remain plausible when we look at the data? And if so, what are the quantitative relationships: What is our best estimate of the relative strengths of the two causal effects?
