Factor Analysis and the Construct Indicator Relationship
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 9891698 |
|---|---|
| Authors | John Bynner (The Open University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 1988 |
| Volume | 41 |
| Issue | 5 |
| Pages | 389-405 |
| Publication date | 1988-05-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Human Relations (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0018-7267 • E-ISSN: 1741-282X |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/001872678804100503 |
| OpenAlex | W2159413441 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 3 |
| References cited | 16 |
The use of factor analysis to validate theoretical constructs and to underpin multiple indicator measurement strategies ignores two methodological principles: a necessary condition for the operationalization of a theoretical construct is not the same as a sufficient condition, and a correlation does not imply a particular model of causation. It is pointed out that factor analysis of the traditional (exploratory) kind used as a basis for construct validation breaches these principles; it does not provide sufficient evidence of construct validity, and it is incapable of dealing with any structure of the relations between variables other than in terms of a set of underlying causes (common factors). Alternative causal interpretations can be evaluated only through the confirmatory methods of structural modeling. Using this approach in the analysis of Richmond Basic Skills Test data, the value of alternatives to the classical factor model is clearly demonstrated. Some implications for measurement strategy and theory construction in social science are considered
Causal model · Causal structure · Causality (physics · Causation · Confirmatory factor analysis · Construct (python library · Construct validity · Developmental psychology · Econometrics · Epistemology · Exploratory factor analysis · Machine learning · Operationalization · Psychometrics · Set (abstract data type · Statistics · Structural equation modeling · Computer Science · Mathematics · Psychology · Psychometric Methodologies and Testing · Statistical Methods and Applications
Introduction to structural equation models
Intelligence and Cultural Environment (Psychology Revivals)
Mathematical thinking in the social sciences.
Questionnaire design and attitude measurement
Sociological methodology, 1969
Measurement in the Social Sciences
Causal Models in the Social Sciences
Validity, Invalidity, and Reliability
Intelligence, Fact or Artefact
Causal Models in the Social Sciences
The Factors of the Mind
Convergent and discriminant validation by the multitrait-multimethod matrix
Construct validity in psychological tests
| Citations per year | 0.08 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 1990 - 1994 (5) |
| Highly cited | No |