Instructions

Load the data file unit 14_SPSSHW11_data.sav. A psychologist was interested in whether a mindfulness questionnaire measures a single underlying construct, or whether there is more than one underlying construct. The questionnaire contained 15 items each requiring a response in the range 1 to 6. The responses of 95 participants to the 15 items are coded in the variables s1q1 to s1q15. In order to answer the question above, carry out a principal component analysis with direct oblimin rotation and do the following:

1. Describe the factor structure of the questionnaire.

a. How many components have eigenvalue greater than one? (2 points)
b. How much variance is accounted for? (2 points)
c. Consider the scree plot: how many components does that suggest? (2 points)
d. Write a brief results section, including a suitable table, to report which items load on each component. (2 points)
e. Label the resulting factors based on the items you identified as loading onto them. (2 points)

2. Alter the analysis to force a single-factor solution and report the results. Which questions should you throw out? Which questions is loaded the strongest? (5 points)
3. Save and submit the SPSS syntax and output files used to complete items 1-2. The file names should begin with your first and last name followed by the homework number (e.g., John Doe HW11.sps; John Doe HW11.spv). (5 points [you read that correctly]