title: Exploratory factor analysis in validation studies: uses and recommendations.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) procedure is one of the most commonly used in social and behavioral sciences. However, it is also one of the most criticized due to the poor management researchers usually display. The main goal is to examine the relationship between practices usually considered more appropriate and actual decisions made by researchers.
  
  
  METHODS
  The use of exploratory factor analysis is examined in 117 papers published between 2011 and 2012 in 3 Spanish psychological journals with the highest impact within the previous five years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  RESULTS show significant rates of questionable decisions in conducting EFA, based on unjustified or mistaken decisions regarding the method of extraction, retention, and rotation of factors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Overall, the current review provides support for some improvement guidelines regarding how to apply and report an EFA.
authors: Universidad Autónoma de Madrid.
authors: Isabel
authors: I
authors: Izquierdo
authors: Julio
authors: J
authors: Olea
authors: Francisco José
authors: FJ
authors: Abad
mesh_terms: D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D054928:Validation Studies as Topic