Analyzing Factor Structure of the Scales by Hierarchical Clustering Analysis: an Alternative Approach

Abstract

In this study, factor structure obtained by exploratory factor analysis, where principal components factor extraction technique of the "Epistemological Belief Questionnaire" was used, was compared to cluster constructs obtained by the agglomerative hierarchical clustering analysis. By using "Pearson Correlation" similarity criteria, it was discussed which construct obtained by "Complete Linkage" and "Ward's Linkage" methods was more concordant with exploratory factor analysis results. Research group of this study consisted of total 243 students who attended Ankara University, Faculty of Educational Sciences, Department of Preschool Teaching in 2006-2007 academic year. In the research group, 1-4 grade level students were included on a voluntary basis. As the cluster memberships obtained by Complete Linkage method were examined, it was determined that two items, unlike exploratory factor analysis, were replaced from the second cluster into the third. As the cluster memberships obtained by Ward's Linkage method were examined, it was seen that the construct obtained by the exploratory factor analysis was attained identically. © 2010, INSInet Publication.