Topic 3

Learning Task (Activity Sheet)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Learning Task 1:

1. Find and select one journal article of a research/study that made use of exploratory
factor analysis (EFA).
1.1. What new learning about EFA did I learn from reading the article?
1.2. What topic/s on EFA did I not understand that I want the class to discuss?

Title: Use of Exploratory Factor Analysis in Maritime Research

1.1. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) is a technique for determining a measure's

factor structure and assessing its internal reliability. A statistical tool for determining
the underlying structure of a large number of variables is exploratory factor analysis.
The primary purpose of EFA is to find the underlying correlations between measured
variables. It is a technique within factor analysis. When researchers have no theories
about the nature of the underlying factor structure of their measure, EFA is frequently
advised. The importance of employing EFA has been emphasized in this paper. The
first contribution of this research is an examination of how studies in the maritime
sector are conducted. EFA has been used in their investigations. The study's second
contribution is to provide information for future research. For the first time, researchers
who want to apply EFA in their studies can see an example of a complete EFA method,
outlining the various stages that can be followed while performing EFA. EFA has a
wide range of applications in maritime research. Because the majority of the elements at
play aren't quantitative, they're measured using a variety of indicators. Factors that
improve port service quality, sampling technique in container shipping, evaluating
cruise traveller’s expectations, and strengthening the competitive position of exporters
are some examples of the types of factors encountered in the maritime sector that must
be measured through observed variables.
This study proposed two criteria for item exclusion and urged participants to use
them. Researchers should attempt three alternative deletion sequences and choose the
one that resulted in the fewest number of deletions. The example demonstrated that
removing a single item from the EFA output and rerunning it yields a different result.
Future researchers are advised to use the trial-and-error method, which entails
repeatedly running the EFA with different combinations of elements. As a result, it is
not advisable to delete all of the troublesome items at once. By deleting the things one at
a time, the researcher will be able to see a variety of outputs and then choose the one
that best fits the study. Furthermore, as opposed to traditional methods, this
methodology may reduce the amount of deletions.

1.2. The simplicity of Exploratory Factor Analysis is one of its key drawbacks. As a
result, the researcher will not be able to draw a reliable conclusion. As a result,
compared to Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Exploratory Factor Analysis is employed
less. To gain a deeper comprehension of the lesson, the methodologies or procedures
employed in EFA should be thoroughly discussed.