Interpreting a Factor Analysis Factor analysis is a powerful statistical technique that is frequently used in test construction. When performing factor analysis, researchers look at correlations between test items or variables and, in doing so, seek to discover underlying dimensions. It may be discovered that groups of items measure the same dimension, which may in turn lead to the discovery of subscales. Exploratory factor analysis is used to discover how items group together; confirmatory factor analysis is used to see if the items group together in a way that is consistent with theory or expectation. For this assignment, you interpret an exploratory factor analysis on the provided dataset. Because factor analysis is so important in test construction, the steps on how to perform a factor analysis are presented below. You may wish to work through these steps on your own in SPSS since familiarity with this process may benefit you in the future; however, you are not required to do so. To perform a factor analysis on the provided MoneyData dataset, click on ANALYZEDIMENSION REDUCTIONFACTOR. Move the 18 test items into the VARIABLES box, L1 to L5, L6R, D1 to D6, and R1 to R6. Click on the EXTRACTION button. For METHOD, select Principle Axis Factoring. For DISPLAY, uncheck Unrotated factor solution, and check Scree Plot. Under Extract, select Fixed number of factors, and enter 3 in the Factors to extract box. Click on Continue. Click on the ROTATION button, and select Direct Oblimin as the rotation method. Click on Continue, and then click on OK. Notice the Scree Plot. This shows how many distinct factors are present in your data. The number of factors above the plot elbow is the number you should retain. In this case, three factors should be retained. Now look at the Pattern Matrix. It shows, for the most part, that each item loads on only one factor. Each item has a high loading in only one column and negligible loadings on the other two factors. The factor analysis shows that there are three distinct scales with 6 items each. The factor analysis for the Final Project dataset is provided to you. Consider how you would interpret the results of this factor analysis. The Assignment Interpret the results of the factor analysis.
14 July, 2015
Writers choice but must be related to Drugs, Crime and their relationships by Glenn D. Walters Paper details: Instructions for Media Assignment Media Assignment: You will provide a critical review, using the knowledge you have gained from this course and other criminal justice courses, of a movie or television series related to drugs and/or crime and its impact on society, and how the criminal justice system is portrayed in handling drugs and/or crime. This assignment is worth 40 points. Assessment Must: Be double spaced and typed with 1” margins Refer to the text to select key discussion points. Be well organized with sentence and paragraph transitions Be professionally written using appropriate criminal justice terminology Be at least 1 full page in length and no longer than 2 pages The key points, as related to drugs, crime, and/or society should be addressed: refer to the course and module level learning objectives for assistance in selecting the key points you wish to address. Use APA format. Other formats will not be accepted Be a complete paper with an introduction, body, and conclusion Include a reference Your assessment of the media should address the following: Assessment Goal Aligned Course Learning Objective (module level learning objectives are aligned with C.L.O.) 1. In what ways did the media presentation accurately address the phenomena? Chapter 1 1. Explain the relationship between drugs and crime. 2. Examine the history of drugs and crime in America. Chapter 2 3. Explain why it is necessary to understand the importance of drug, set, and, setting. 5. Illustrate the phenomenon of substance dependence. Chapter 3 6. Differentiate between crime and criminality. Chapter 4 8. Evaluate the three major possibilities that explain how drugs and crime are related. 2. In what ways was the impact of the phenomena on society presented? Chapter 4 8. Evaluate the three major possibilities that explain how drugs and crime are related. 9. Analyze the complexity of the drug-crime relationship. 3. How did the criminal justice system respond to the phenomena? Chapter 9 15. Analyze the approaches of the three sub-components (law enforcement, courts, and corrections) of the criminal justice system for responding to drug-involved offenders. Chapter 14 22. Interpret and evaluate America’s “War on Drugs” Chapter 15 23. Describe the practical issues in working with drug-involved offenders. 4. What, if any, social, organizational, and political policies were addressed? Chapter 7 13. Explain the sociological foundations of the drug-crime relationship. Chapter 14 22. Interpret and evaluate America’s “War on Drugs” Chapter 15 24. Assess the unintended consequences of drug prohibition policies.
14 July, 2015