Notes to Factor Analysis Techniques for Construct Validity

Abstract

This paper introduces and discusses factor analysis techniques for construct validity, including some suggestions for reporting using the evidence to support the construct validity from exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis techniques. Construct validity is a vital part of psychological testing and a prerequisite to every measurement instrument, including aptitude, achievement, and interests. Research, particularly in nursing and the health sciences, depends on reliable valid measurements. Therefore, a growing emphasis is on assessing validity regarding the structure of test variables commonly estimated by factor analysis techniques. However, it is not always clear how to report the analysis and use it to support the construct validity. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis techniques provide vital evidence to support the construct validity. However, these are not the only available evidence for construct validity, and the researcher should always consider other sources of evidence to develop and support the construct validity of their intended measures. In addition, the collection and presentation of this evidence are not limited to a time, but the validity of constructs is a continuous process that leads to validating the underlying theories from which constructs have emerged.