The Quality of Factor Solutions in Exploratory Factor Analysis: The Influence of Sample Size, Communality, and Overdetermination

2005/03/11 by Kristine Y. Hogarty, Constance V. Hines, Jeffrey D. Kromrey +3 · 552 citations
Chemistry · Computer Science · Decision Sciences · Mathematics · Psychology · #Advanced Statistical Modeling Techniques #Chemistry #Chromatography #Computer science #Exploratory factor analysis #Factor (programming language) #Mathematics #Overdetermination #Psychology #Psychometric Methodologies and Testing #Psychometrics #Quality (philosophy) #Sample (material) #Sample size determination #Statistics

paper · doi:10.1177/0013164404267287

published in Educational and Psychological Measurement 65(2), 202-226 (SAGE Publishing)

openalex publication_date 2005/03/11 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28

Abstract

The purpose of this studywas to investigate the relationship between sample size and the quality of factor solutions obtained from exploratory factor analysis. This research expanded upon the range of conditions previously examined, employing a broad selection of criteria for the evaluation of the quality of sample factor solutions. Results showed that when communalities are high, sample size tended to have less influence on the quality of factor solutions than when communalities are low. Overdetermination of factors was also shown to improve the factor analysis solution. Finally, decisions about the quality of the factor solution depended upon which criteria were examined.

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