Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Scale Validation in Communication Research

Abstract

Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) is an under-used and often misunderstood statistical tool. CFA provides useful information about scale dimensionality and validity. This paper offers a brief and accessible introduction to the role of CFA in communication research. Some common issues with CFA including dimensionality and model fit are addressed. More frequent and informed use of CFA would likely improve the quality of measurement in quantitative communication research.

Keywords:

• Confirmatory factor analysis
• CFA
• Measurement validation

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Timothy R. Levine

Timothy R. Levine (PhD Michigan State University, 1992) is a Professor in the Department of Communication at Michigan State University