Principal Factor Analysis in Scale Construction

Abstract

In the realm of behavioral sciences, the utility of assessment scales is noteworthy. Preparation and finalizing assessment scales follow a systematic step-by-step procedure. A clear understanding of the steps is fundamental in constructing scales. The development of reliable and valid scales is thus one of the significant aspects of quantifying psychological variables. Since scale construction entails numerical analysis and background knowledge of statistics the process can seem intriguing for budding researchers. The most commonly employed statistical analysis of scale construction are exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Of these two, principal/exploratory factor analysis helps in understanding latent variables of a psychological construct of a specific scale. Hence PFA is crucial in studying those psychological constructs about which there is a lack of clear-cut understanding of its latent variables & their relationships.  So, in the present paper how PFA can be used in developing scale is elaborated with explanations. Furthermore, additional care has been taken in explaining complex numerical analysis in simple language for novice researchers.