Principal-Axis Factor Analysis: a Comparison of Four Selected Computer Program Packages

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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to make analytic comparisons of four commonly available packaged computer programs which perform principal-axis factor analysis. The four programs: Statistical Analysis System (SAS, DATA-TEXT, Biomedical Computer Programs (BMDO8M), and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) were compared by running each program using the same set of data. Comparisons were tabulated according to the following criteria: (1) Manual Characteristics, (2) Data Processing Features, and (3) Statistical Analysis Characteristics. SPSS was considered to be the best overall program because of its excellent pedagogy, cost, accuracy, statistical analysis sufficiency, and output which included a graphic display of variable loadings on rotated factors as an option. However, each program had certain unique characteristics which might make it more nearly conform to the requirements of a particular situation.

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