Using the single factor model
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[edit] Factors of culture analytic modeling
2. Do a single-factor <<factor analytic study>> that enlarges the <SCCS factors of culture -- see this link for ideas for study --> either by finding new variables from the <SCCS index of variables> that
- combine to form a new single factor structure (more about <single factor structure>).
- or fit one of the SCCS factors of culture.
- correlate with but do not fit one of the SCCS factors of culture but instead help to form new radial factors.
For cross-cultural readings with the SCCS see http://eclectic.ss.uci.edu/~drwhite/courses/JSTORSearchResults2.htm
You will be able to get the computer portion of factor analytic assignment done -- all but the writing -- if you go carefully through the codebook on-line <SCCS index of variables> (circa 2000 variables but easy to page through, also to search/find for keywords), copy and paste those you are interested in into word, print a copy for yourself, and bring to class. Natasha and I can then check out your variables if you are having trouble, and recommend <recodes> where you might need them. We go through the exercise and also the way to easily recode. It should be easy if you come prepared. Remember to add up the number of societies coded ". = Missing data" and those with other numeric codes that indicate missing data relevant to your factor dimension, and subtract missing from 186 - if the number is much below 80 it is probably not a good variable to include so consider it an "alternate" rather than a "likely" variable for use with the factor analysis. Background on the single factor model.
Here is the interpretation of the Spss results you will need for part 1. But rather than Spss there is a much better Factor Analysis in the open source R software that has a one-factor significance test, providing a direct evaluation.
- 1967 Rudy Rummel: Factor Analysis
- 1990 Doug White: Single Factor Analysis Reliability in Comparative and Ethnographic Observations: The Example of High Inference Father-Child Interaction Measures, Journal of of Quantitative Anthropology 2: 109-150.
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