FUNDAMENTALS OF APPLICATION FACTOR ANALYSIS IN EDUCATION AND REHABILITATION

Abstract

Factor analysis is one of multivariate data processing methods, which studies the causal relationships of phenomena, that is, the cause of integration. In the introductory part of the paper, the basic definitions and interpretations regarding the factor analysis and the terms of multivariate methods, and some examples have been given in defining the manifest and latent, as explorative and confirmative examples. The justification for the application of factor analysis is elaborated in the main part of the paper with reference to the various authors who have dealt with this issue. Also, the paper presents the procedures of factor analysis, and presents tables and graphs showing the results necessary for interpretation. Given that for special education and rehabilitation a biopsychosocial approach is fundamental, factor analysis can be a powerful tool when studying interconnections of different phenomena. Its proper application by educatorsrehabilitators, who act to this problem, may help in understanding the causes of connections of phenomena, and as such it helps in the development of a treatment for the prevention, education and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities.

Keywords

• Factor analysis
• multivariate methods
• special education-rehabilitation