Exploratory Factor Analysis through free-cost software in psychology

Abstract

The purpose of the following text is to review the general performance of Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) as a scale analysis technique in psychology through various free license statistical packages. With this objective, the following criteria are presented for the evaluation of the programs: previous data analysis, estimation matrix, factor determination method, variance extraction methods and rotation methods. Subsequently, the programs were selected: FACTOR, JAPS and JAMOVI in their latest versions. After examining the procedures, it is concluded that FACTOR is the program that provides the greatest number of options in decision making, as well as offering more detailed information for an AFE, followed by JAPS, and finally JAMOVI. In this way, FACTOR is more useful for advanced researchers, while JAPS and JAMOVI allow complementary estimations.