Making Sense of Factor Analysis: The Use of Factor Analysis for Instrument Development in Health Care Research

by Marjorie A. Pett, Nancy R. Lackey, John Sullivan

Many health care practitioners and researchers are aware of the need to employ factor analysis in order to develop more sensitive instruments for data collection. Unfortunately, factor analysis is not a unidimensional approach that is easily understood by even the most experienced of researchers.

Making Sense of Factor The Use of Factor Analysis for Instrument Development in Health Care Research presents a straightforward explanation of the complex statistical procedures involved in factor analysis. Authors Marjorie A. Pett, Nancy M. Lackey, and John J. Sullivan provide a step-by-step approach to analyzing data using statistical computer packages like SPSS and SAS. Emphasizing the interrelationship between factor analysis and test construction, the authors examine numerous practical and theoretical decisions that must be made to efficiently run and accurately interpret the outcomes of these sophisticated computer programs.

This accessible volume will help both novice and experienced health care professionals to

Increase their knowledge of the use of factor analysis in health care research Understand journal articles that report the use of factor analysis in test construction and instrument development Create new data collection instruments Examine the reliability and structure of existing health care instruments Interpret and report computer-generated output from a factor analysis run Making Sense of Factor The Use of Factor Analysis for Instrument Development in Health Care Research offers a practical method for developing tests, validating instruments, and reporting outcomes through the use of factor analysis. To facilitate learning, the authors provide concrete testing examples, three appendices of additional information, and a glossary of key terms. Ideal for graduate level nursing students, this book is also an invaluable resource for health care researchers.

368 pages, Hardcover

First published March 21, 2003

Reviews

[Gary Beck Dallaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book about factor analysis. The authors do an exceptional job explaining complex statistical procedures for those who are afraid of statistics as well as for those of us who understand them. I found it to be a great read that helped me to have a much better understanding of survey development and the steps to take to determine reliability and validity.

[Rafael Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written, excellent balance between theory, math and practice. Very insightful

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for simplifying statistics 😩

[Leanna Aker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal, easy to understand book that discusses exploratory factor analysis and principal component analysis. Clear, labelled figures and tables are included. This is not "stats" speak, but real, understandable language. Highly recommend.