Resumo

DAMASIO, Bruno Figueiredo. Uses of exploratory factorial analysis in psychology. Aval. psicol. [online]. 2012, vol.11, n.2, pp.213-228. ISSN 1677-0471.

Abstract Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) is a set of widely used statistical techniques in psychological research. During its implementation, several decisions need to be taken in order to obtain a suitable factor structure. This study aims to present and discuss some of the main aspects of this technique, eliciting up-to-date studies on the topic. Differences between exploratory factor analysis and principal component analysis, factor retention and factor rotation, adequate sample size, explained variance importance, and factor solution reliability are some of the discussed topics. It is pointed out the fact that all decisions to be taken during the implementation of an exploratory factor analysis cannot be arbitrary and subjective, but must be based on clear theoretical and methodological criteria. This study intends to assist researchers in the field of Psychology to conduct EFAs with higher theoretical and methodological discernment.

Palavras-chave : exploratory factor analysis; rotation; retention; sample size; parallel analysis.

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