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The Use of Factor Analysis in the Construction of Linear Composites in Social Research

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  • Duane F. Alwin

    (Department of Sociology Washington State University)

Abstract

This paper discusses the uses of factor analysis in the development of composite indices in social research. A distinction is drawn between "factor-based" scores and factor scores, and some comparisons are made between the two general approaches. After reviewing the methods of factor score estimation in some detail, an empirical example is presented which casts doubt on the efficacy of factor score estimation procedures, and favors the continued use of factor-based scores by social researchers.

Suggested Citation

  • Duane F. Alwin, 1973. "The Use of Factor Analysis in the Construction of Linear Composites in Social Research," Sociological Methods & Research, , vol. 2(2), pages 191-212, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:somere:v:2:y:1973:i:2:p:191-212
    DOI: 10.1177/004912417300200202
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Henry Kaiser, 1962. "Formulas for component scores," Psychometrika, Springer;The Psychometric Society, vol. 27(1), pages 83-87, March.
    2. Chester Harris, 1967. "On factors and factor scores," Psychometrika, Springer;The Psychometric Society, vol. 32(4), pages 363-379, December.
    3. Roderick McDonald & E. Burr, 1967. "A comparison of four methods of constructing factor scores," Psychometrika, Springer;The Psychometric Society, vol. 32(4), pages 381-401, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Florian Kaufmann, 2007. "Emigrant or Sojourner? Migration Intensity and Its Determinants," Working Papers wp154, Political Economy Research Institute, University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

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