Exploratory factor analysis is a statistical technique that is used to reduce data to a smaller set of summary variables and to explore the underlying theoretical structure of the phenomena. In this assignment, you are expected to perform an exploratory factor analysis on the newly developed items that measure each of realistic optimism, unrealistic optimism, and pessimism; describe the steps taken to select the final items; and evaluate the psychometric properties (i.e. reliability, validity) of your final scale. Perform an exploratory factor analysis on the items assessing the factors underlying realistic optimism, unrealistic optimism, and pessimism. In the format of a research report, describe the steps taken to select the final items and evaluate the psychometric properties (i.e. reliability and validity) of your final scale. LAYOUT OF LAB REPORT: Title page: APA style. Aims and Hypotheses: State your aims and list your 7 hypotheses from Assignment 1C. Note, you may have needed to revise/change your hypotheses based on Assignment 1C OLA feedback. Method: Describe the sample and measures used in your validation strategy. Do not include scales that you did not use. You can include the following statement under the Procedure sub-section of the Method: ‘An online survey was completed by undergraduate students at an Australian university at a time and place of their choosing. The study was approved and conducted in accordance with Swinburne University’s ethical guidelines.’ Results: Present the results from the factor analysis (or analyses if you performed more than one), including a justification for the extraction and rotation method used, factor analysis statistics, and a description of the scale and inter-factor correlations. If items were removed, also describe the process through which the decision was made to exclude these items. Include a reliability analysis of the (revised) measure, including Cronbach’s alpha and related item statistics (e.g. alpha if item deleted) for each of the subscales. Include the descriptive statistics for all measures used. Include correlations, t-tests, etc. as appropriate that address your validation hypotheses. The Assignment 2 Table Guide TP2 2024.pdf Download Assignment 2 Table Guide TP2 2024.pdfwill give you an idea of how these results can be presented. Discussion: This section aligns with what is expected in a discussion from any other lab/research report. It should present an evaluation of your (revised) measure, including the following: Statements about the factor structure, and the extent to which the items align with what realistic optimism, unrealistic optimism, and pessimism are theoretically considered to comprise. Any issues may have implications for the definition and measurement of the construct being investigated. A discussion of the reliability of the final scales. A discussion of the evidence for the validity of the scales. Limitations and implications, including any potential future revisions to the new realistic optimism, unrealistic optimism, and pessimism scales and if needed, recommendations for how they should be validated in the future. A discussion of any revisions to the scale and recommendations for how it should be validated in the future. References: In-text referencing, presentation of the results, and the reference list should be in APA 7th format.
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