Factor Analytic Evidence for the Construct Validity of Scores: A Historical Overview and Some Guidelines

Abstract

Expectations for reporting factor analysis results as part of construct validation are explored in the context of emerging views of measurement validity. Desired practices are discussed regarding both exploratory factor analysis (e.g., principal components analysis) and confirmatory factor analysis (e.g., LISREL and EQS factor analyses). A short computer program for conducting parallel analysis is appended.