UNDERSTANDING FACTOR ANALYSIS

In: The journal of conflict resolution: journal of the Peace Science Society (International), Band 11, Heft 4, S. 444-480

Abstract

Confronted with entangled behavior, unknown interdependencies, masses of qualitative & quantitative variables, & bad data, many soc sci'ts are turning toward factor analysis to uncover major soc & internat'l patterns. The problem of communicating their results is formidable, however, because many of the scholars are unfamiliar with this type of analysis. The aim is to draw a conceptual map of the method & clarify the technical paraphernalia so that consumers of factor studies can interpret them usefully. Topics include the relationship of factor analysis to sci'fic method; the factor model; interpreting factor tables; & factor rotation. Sample internat'al data are used as illustration, & a Bibliog of factor analysis in conflict & internat'al relations is included. AA.