Coming soon · Step-by-step Guide
A Step-by-Step Guide to Exploratory Factor Analysis with SPSS
A practical, formula-light, step-by-step guide to conducting exploratory factor analysis (EFA) in SPSS using evidence-based best practices.
This is a step-by-step procedural book — we're building it into Stepcode, with a profile to follow.
What it’s about
Exploratory factor analysis is over a century old and ubiquitous across the behavioral, medical, and social sciences, yet surveys repeatedly show it is routinely misapplied because researchers receive little formal training and lean on poor software defaults. Marley Watkins answers this gap with a concise, accessible, applied manual that walks the reader through every decision step of an EFA—choosing variables and participants, screening data, judging whether EFA is appropriate, selecting the model, extraction method, number of factors, rotation, interpretation, and reporting—each illustrated with annotated SPSS screenshots, syntax, downloadable datasets, and scholarly citations. With minimal mathematics and a calm, jargon-light tone, the book equips students and seasoned researchers alike to produce defensible, replicable factor-analytic results and to respond confidently to editorial reviews.
The through-line
- Who it’s for
- An applied researcher or graduate student who wants to conduct a credible, publishable exploratory factor analysis in SPSS.
- The problem
- They must make many technical EFA decisions in SPSS with little training and unsound software defaults. They feel uncertain, intimidated by the math, and worried their analysis is wrong or indefensible.
- The plan
- Follow the ten-step EFA decision checklist in order.
- Screen data and verify EFA is appropriate before analyzing.
- Choose the common factor model with a justified extraction method.
- Use multiple criteria (parallel analysis, MAP, scree, theory) to decide factor number.
- Apply oblique rotation, interpret competing models, and report every decision transparently.
- The payoff
- The reader produces defensible, replicable EFA results. · They can justify every analytic choice to reviewers with citations. · They confidently interpret, name, and report factors and understand when to use EFA versus CFA.
See our guide
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Additional reading
- The Organism · Kurt Goldstein
Maslow sources the term 'self-actualization' from Goldstein and builds upon his holistic view of the organism.
- Explorations in Personality · H. A. Murray, et al.
Cited as providing an 'excellent discussion' on the basic principle of centering motivation theory on goals rather than instigation or behavior.
- Social Interest · Alfred Adler
Maslow credits Adler and his followers for stressing the importance of the 'esteem needs,' which he felt were neglected by Freudian psychoanalysts.
- Wisdom of the Body · W. B. Cannon
Provides the foundational concept of 'homeostasis,' which Maslow uses as the starting point for his discussion of physiological needs.
- Multipliers · Liz Wiseman
Explores how leaders can either amplify ('multiply') or diminish ('diminish') the intelligence and capabilities of their teams, a key concept for creating a positive, low-anxiety environment.
- The Fearless Organization · Amy Edmondson
Provides the foundational research and practical steps for creating psychological safety, which the book identifies as crucial for reducing interpersonal anxiety and encouraging people to speak up.
- Mindset · Carol Dweck
Explains the difference between a 'growth mindset' and a 'fixed mindset,' which is presented as a key tool for helping employees manage perfectionism and see failures as learning opportunities.
- Crucial Conversations · Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, et al.
Recommended as a resource for employees to learn how to navigate difficult, high-stakes conversations, directly addressing the book's theme of moving from conflict avoidance to healthy debate.
- Better Allies · Karen Catlin
The author is quoted on specific, actionable steps for allyship, making her book a practical guide for implementing the principles in Chapter 7.
- Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People · Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald
Explains the science of implicit bias, which is central to the book's argument that leaders need to be proactive allies because 'not being racist/sexist' isn't enough.