Factor analysis and scale revision

This article reviews methodological issues that arise in the application of exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to scale revision and refinement. The au thors begin by discussing how the appropriate use of EFA in scale revision is influenced by both the hierarchical nature of psychological constructs a nd the motivations underlying the revision. Then they specifically address (a) important issues that arise prior to data collection (e.g., selecting a n appropriate sample), (b) technical aspects of factor analysis (e.g., dete rmining the number of factors to retain), and (c) procedures used to evalua te the outcome of the scale revision (e.g., determining whether the new mea sure functions equivalently for different populations).