What is Exploratory Factor Analysis?
Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) is a statistical technique used to uncover the underlying structure or patterns in a dataset, particularly when dealing with a large number of variables. It aims to identify the underlying factors that explain the correlations among observed variables. Here’s how exploratory factor analysis works: Data Preparation: EFA typically begins with a dataset containing multiple observed variables (e.g., survey items, test scores). Factor Extraction: The goal of factor extraction is to identify a smaller number of underlying…