Validation Studies: Matters Of Dimensionality, Accuracy, And Parsimony With Predictive Discriminant Analysis And Factor Analysis

Abstract

Two studies were used as examples that examined issues of dimensionality, accuracy, and parsimony in educational research via the use of predictive discriminant analysis and factor analysis. Using a two-group problem, study 1 looked at how accurately group membership could be predicted from subjects’ test scores. Study 2 looked at the dimensionality structure of an instrument and if it developed constructs that would measure theorized domains.