Decalogue for the Factor Analysis of Test Items

Background: In the study of the psychometric properties of the items of a test, a fundamental aspect is the analysis of their dimensional structure. The objective of this work is to provide some guidelines that allow the factor analysis of the items to be carried out in a rigorous and systematic way. Method: A review of the recent psychometric literature was carried out to identify the fundamental steps to be followed in order to carry out an adequate factor analysis of the items of a test. Results: Ten main recommendations were identified to carry out the factorial analysis of the items of a test: adequacy of the data and the sample, univariate statistics, justification of the analysis, selection of the analyzable items, type of model, most appropriate factorial solution, estimation of the parameters, adequacy of the factorial solution, substantive coherence of the model, and final version of the test. Conclusions: If the ten recommendations proposed in the current psychometric literature are systematically followed, it will be possible to optimize the quality of the tests and the decision-making based on the estimates of the scores obtained through them. These recommendations should be useful to both researchers and practitioners.

Automated summary

This study aims to provide ten recommendations for conducting factor analysis of test items, including aspects like data adequacy, statistical methods, model selection, and more. Following these recommendations can optimize test quality and decision-making based on test scores.