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Evaluating the Use of Exploratory Factor Analysis in Developmental Disability Psychological Research

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Abstract

Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) is a widely used but poorly understood statistical procedure. This paper described EFA and its methodological variations. Then, key methodological variations were used to evaluate EFA usage over a 10-year period in five leading developmental disabilities journals. Sixty-six studies were located and evaluated on multiple procedural variations. Only 35% (n = 23) of studies used EFA; principal components analysis was the model used most often (n = 40, 61%). Orthogonal rotation was used most often (n = 39, 59%). A large portion of studies ran analyses with a subject: item ratio larger than 5:1 (n = 49, 74%). Most researchers employed multiple criteria for retaining factors (n = 45, 68%). Overall, results indicated that published recommendations and guidelines for the use of EFA are largely ignored.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Michael C. Edwards, Ph.D., for his insightful comments during the development and preparation of this article.

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  1. Nisonger Center and Department of Psychology, Ohio State University, Nisonger Center, 305 McCampbell Hall, 1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA

    Megan Norris & Luc Lecavalier

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Norris, M., Lecavalier, L. Evaluating the Use of Exploratory Factor Analysis in Developmental Disability Psychological Research. J Autism Dev Disord 40, 8–20 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-009-0816-2

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