The Relation of Sample Size to the Number of Variables in Using Factor Analysis Techniques

Abstract

The relationship of sample size to number of variables in the use of factor analysis has been treated by many investigators. In attempting to explore what the minimum sample size should be, none of these investigators pointed out the constraints imposed on the dimensionality of the variables by using a sample size smaller than the number of variables. A review of studies in this area is made as well as suggestions for resolution of the problem.