Exploratory Factor Analysis with SAS

Published Guidelines

In multiple regression texts, some authors (e.g., Pedhazur, 1997, p. 207) suggest subject to variable ratios of 15:1 or 30:1 when generalization is critical. But there are few explicit guidelines such as this for EFA (Baggaley, 1983). Two different approaches have been taken: suggesting a minimum total sample size, or examining the ratio of parameters such as subjects to variables, as in multiple regression.

Comfrey and Lee (1992) suggest that “the adequacy of sample size might be evaluated very roughly on the following scale: 50 – very poor; 100 – poor; 200 – fair; 300 – good; 500 – very good; 1000 or more – excellent” (p. 217). Guadagnoli & Velicer (1988) review several studies that conclude that absolute minimum sample ...