Journal article
A practical example of exploratory factor analysis and critical realism
Nurse Researcher, Vol.29(1), pp.42-50
2021
PMID: 33511811
Abstract
Background: Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) can link the levels of ontology in critical realism together as described in Summers (2020).
Aim: To demonstrate how components of the actual can be defined by linking potential factors in the empirical to the theorised generative mechanisms in the real.
Discussion: This article describes one part of a three-part sequential mixed-methods study that used EFA to describe how components of the actual were linked using factors in the empirical to the generative mechanisms in the real. The author theorised three generative mechanisms: the perceived impact of continuing professional development (CPD) on patient care, the motivations for undertaking CPD and the perceived barriers to CPD. He used EFA to test factors from the empirical against these generative mechanisms to identify linking components in the actual.
Conclusion: This article shows how components of the actual can be defined using EFA. These components are multifactorial and many factors in the empirical are influenced by different generative mechanisms.
Implications for practice: Being able to articulate and link the different aspects of ontology enables researchers to define theorised generative mechanisms and link theory to practice.
Details
- Title
- A practical example of exploratory factor analysis and critical realism
- Authors
- Anthony Summers (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy
- Publication details
- Nurse Researcher, Vol.29(1), pp.42-50
- Publisher
- RCNi
- Date published
- 2021
- DOI
- 10.7748/nr.2021.e1759
- ISSN
- 2047-8992
- PMID
- 33511811
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Nursing; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99508608902621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
168 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Web Of Science research areas
- Nursing
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: SDGs from InCites