A statistical procedure that identifies clusters of related items on a test and underlying dimensions is called what?

A statistical procedure that identifies clusters of related items on a test and underlying dimensions is called what?

• A. Factor analysis
• B. Regression
• C. ANOVA
• D. Cluster analysis

Answer: (A)

Factor analysis aims to uncover latent dimensions that explain why items on a test tend to correlate with each other. When several items load on the same factor, it signals they are tapping the same underlying construct, like a specific skill or attitude, and the pattern of correlations among items is used to identify these factors and how strongly each item relates to them. This is different from regression (predicting one variable from others), ANOVA (comparing group means), or cluster analysis (grouping items or cases by similarity without revealing the latent causes behind their co-movements).

Factor analysis aims to uncover latent dimensions that explain why items on a test tend to correlate with each other. When several items load on the same factor, it signals they are tapping the same underlying construct, like a specific skill or attitude, and the pattern of correlations among items is used to identify these factors and how strongly each item relates to them. This is different from regression (predicting one variable from others), ANOVA (comparing group means), or cluster analysis (grouping items or cases by similarity without revealing the latent causes behind their co-movements).