As we learned in Chapter
5, sample size can greatly affect the results of an EFA. Small samples
can lead to the identification of incorrect factor structures and
item loadings (both direction and magnitude). They also limit our
ability to check the replicability of our results through internal
replication. (See Chapter 6.) Thus, small samples can affect your
results and limit your ability to discern how they might affect them!
Now the best solution to the small sample dilemma is to get more data. More subjects or observations can be added to a sample to improve the potential replicability of the results. However, if this is not a possibility (we all have limited resources and funds!), an alternative ...