N this assignment, you will use a factor analysis to determine if the

 

Week 7 

2 weeks from now

Overview

In this assignment, you will use a factor analysis to determine if the variables gender, ethnicity, year, lowup, GPA, Quiz 1, Quiz 2, Quiz 3, Quiz 4, Quiz 5, and extra credit can be grouped into factors related to the final grade in a course as measured by the variable percent. Use the .sav file provided. Be sure to consult the Capella Writing Center for guidance. 

Please use the DAA Template [DOCX] to complete your assignment.

Instructions

Step 1. Provide a context for the data set in the supplied .sav file. Include a definition of the specified variables, levels of each factor, and the outcome variable. Define the corresponding scales of measurement for each variable. Specify the sample size of the data set.

Step 2. Specify the research questions related to the factor analysis. Articulate the null hypotheses and alternative hypotheses. Specify the alpha level.

Step 3. Analyze the assumptions of the factor analysis. Paste the SPSS histogram output for percent and discuss your visual interpretations. Paste SPSS descriptive statistics output showing skewness and kurtosis values for percent and interpret them (that is, values of 0 are perfectly normal; values between +/- 1 are ideal; values +/- 2 are acceptable; values beyond +/- 2 are a potential violation). Report the results of the tests of the assumptions and interpret them. Summarize whether or not the assumptions of the factor analysis are met.

Step 4. 

Present the results of the factor analysis in terms of the total variance explained by the factors.

Present the results of the rotated component matrix created by the varimax rotation. 

Interpret the results. Were there clear factors that the variables could be grouped into? If so, identify what each factor might represent.

Step 5. Discuss the conclusions of the factor analysis as they relate to the research questions. Conclude with an analysis of the strengths and limitations of the factor analysis.

Submit your assignment as a Word document. The deadline for submitting your work is 11:59 p.m. CST Sunday of Week 7.

Additional Requirements

Your assignment should also meet the following requirements:

Written communication: Should be free of errors that detract from the overall message.

APA formatting: References and citations are formatted according to current APA style guidelines. Review the Evidence and APA section of the Writing Center for more information on how to cite your sources.

Length: 8–10 double-spaced pages, in addition to the title page and references page.