MSA: The Forgotten Index for Identifying Inappropriate Items Before Computing Exploratory Item Factor Analysis

Abstract: Kaiser’s single-variable measure of sampling adequacy (MSA) is a very useful index for debugging inappropriate items before a factor analysis (FA) solution is fitted to an item-pool dataset for item selection purposes. For reasons discussed in the article, however, MSA is hardly used nowadays in this context. In our view, this is unfortunate. In the present proposal, we first discuss the foundation and rationale of MSA from a ‘modern’ FA view, as well as its usefulness in the item selection process. Second, we embed the index within a robust approach and propose improvements in the preliminary item selection process. Third, we implement the proposal in different statistical programs. Finally, we illustrate its use and advantages with an empirical example in personality measurement. https://meth.psychopen.eu/index.php/meth/article/view/7185

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: MSA: The Forgotten Index for Identifying Inappropriate Items Before Computing Exploratory Item Factor Analysis ; volume:17 ; number:4 ; day:17 ; month:12 ; year:2021 ; Methodology ; 17, Heft 4 (17.12.2021)

Contributors, Places and Time

• Creator: Lorenzo, Urbano ; Ferrando, Pere J.

Further information

• DOI: 10.5964/meth.7185
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2022010804140005990309
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 15.08.2025, 7:24 AM CEST