Determining the number of factors in exploratory factor analysis (EFA) is crucial because it affects the rest of the analysis and the conclusions of the study. Researchers have developed various methods for deciding the number of factors to retain in EFA, but this remains one of the most difficult decisions in the EFA. The purpose of this study is…

Factor loadings and item discrimination parameters play a key role in scale construction. A multitude of heuristics regarding their interpretation are hardwired into practice--for example, neglecting low loadings and assigning items to exactly one scale. We challenge the common sense interpretation of these parameters by providing counterexamples…

This study compares automated methods to develop short forms of psychometric scales. Obtaining a short form that has both adequate internal structure and strong validity with respect to relationships with other variables is difficult with traditional methods of short-form development. Metaheuristic algorithms can select items for short forms while…

Many psychological scales written in the Likert format include reverse worded (RW) items in order to control acquiescence bias. However, studies have shown that RW items often contaminate the factor structure of the scale by creating one or more method factors. The present study examines an alternative scale format, called the Expanded format,…

This study provides a summary of 45 exploratory and confirmatory factor-analytic studies that examined the internal structure of scores obtained from the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). It highlights characteristics of the studies that account for differences in reporting of the MBI factor structure. This approach includes an examination of the…

Examined a set of working memory scales containing two versions of test items that are reading and mathematics based. Data from 201 undergraduates support the hypothesis that an oblique two-factor model in which the factors are based on item content would fit the data well. (SLD)

Four studies of the factorial validity of the Spatial Learning Ability Test (SLAT), involving 431 undergraduates, were summarized to elaborate nomothetic span. These studies support the SLAT as a spatial processing measure. The SLAT, compared to a test with the same item type, was a more pure measure of spatial ability. (SLD)

Two studies with 290 college students and 95 business managers investigated the latent structure of items from the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ). Results support models in which transformational and transactional leadership items load on separate factors and suggest that charismatic and inspirational leadership scales converge for…

Developed a scale of cultural tolerance, examined the latent structure of the scale, and determined its relationship to other relevant constructs. Results with samples of 262, 165, and 86 college students suggest a two-dimensional structure of items assessing affect and belief and items assessing intention to behave. Contains 41 references. (SLD)

This study examined whether the original factor structure of the Parent Success Indicator (PSI) could be replicated with scores from generational views on both the English- and Mandarin-language versions of the instrument. The 60-item PSI was evaluated using responses from 840 Taiwanese parents (n = 429) and their 10- to 14-year-old adolescents (n…

The distinctiveness of the subscale structure of an attitude instrument, the Test of Science-Related Attitudes (TOSRA), was examined. Factor analysis of the item correlation matrix obtained from student responses suggested that the seven subscales of the test were not distinct. (Author/GK)

The development of the new fifth edition of the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF) is described. The factor structure of the new 16PF was explored with 4 samples ranging from 646 to 3,498 subjects. Results support the validity of the 16PF factor structure and its continuity with earlier versions. (SLD)

The responses of five samples of elementary and secondary school students to the Brooks Student Questionnaire were factor analyzed. Extracted factors, centile norms, and reliability data are reported. (Author/JKS)

Primary and second-order principal components analyses were performed on the Quality of School Life Scale (QSL), a measure of elementary school climate, for responses of 141 fourth through sixth graders. Findings suggest three general factors, but item composition of subscales differs somewhat from that proposed by the QSL's developers. (SLD)