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SPSS and SAS programs for determining the number of components using parallel analysis and Velicer’s MAP test

Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers volume 32, pages396–402(2000)Cite this article

Abstract

Popular statistical software packages do not have the proper procedures for determining the number of components in factor and principal components analyses. Parallel analysis and Velicer’s minimum average partial (MAP) test are validated procedures, recommended widely by statisticians. However, many researchers continue to use alternative, simpler, but flawed procedures, such as the eigenvaluesgreater-than-one rule. Use of the proper procedures might be increased if these procedures could be conducted within familiar software environments. This paper describes brief and efficient programs for using SPSS and SAS to conduct parallel analyses and the MAP test.

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  1. Department of Psychology, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, P7B 5E1, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada

    Brian P. O’connor

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  1. Brian P. O’connor
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Correspondence to Brian P. O’connor.

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This work was supported by a grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

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O’connor, B.P. SPSS and SAS programs for determining the number of components using parallel analysis and Velicer’s MAP test. Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers 32, 396–402 (2000). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03200807

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Keywords

  • Behavior Research Method
  • Parallel Analysis
  • Random Data
  • Proper Procedure
  • Minimum Average Partial