A researcher wanted to administer a set of 15 items to study participants with the intent of factor analyzing the data. Which of the following would be especially good advice?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In factor analysis, a larger sample size is generally better because it increases statistical power and reduces the risk of Type II errors. A sample size of at least 150 people is recommended for factor analysis, although this can vary depending on the complexity of the factor structure and the strength of the relationships between the items. A sample with little variability on the 15 items would actually be counterproductive, as it would not allow for a sufficient range of responses to accurately capture the underlying factor structure. Adding more items could be beneficial, but only if they are relevant and have a strong theoretical basis for inclusion. Doing a power analysis is always a good idea in order to determine the appropriate sample size and avoid errors in statistical inference.

A Researcher Wanted to Administer a Set of 15 Items