Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) is a technique used to confirm or test the factor structure of a set of observed variables based on a pre-specified model. AMOS (Analysis of Moment Structures) is a powerful tool for conducting CFA and structural equation modeling (SEM). CFA in AMOS is a structured approach to verifying the factor structure of your model based on hypothesized relationships among your variables. By following these steps, you can conduct CFA effectively, allowing for a rigorous examination of the constructs underlying your data. Always ensure a strong theoretical foundation for your model to interpret the results meaningfully. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to perform CFA in AMOS:

Part I. Step-by-Step Guide for Confirmatory Factor Analysis in AMOS

Step 1: Prepare Your Data

• Ensure your data is properly formatted and cleaned in SPSS.
• Make sure that your dataset includes all the variables you want to analyze.

Step 2: Open AMOS

1. Launch AMOS from your SPSS menu or desktop shortcut.
2. Create a new project by clicking on the blank diagram icon.

Step 3: Draw Your Model

1. Create Latent Variables: Use the oval tool to create latent variables (factors).
2. Create Observed Variables: Use the rectangle tool to create observed variables (indicators).
3. Draw Arrows:
   • Use one-headed arrows to indicate relationships from latent to observed variables (factor loadings).
   • Use two-headed arrows for correlations between latent variables if applicable.
4. Label Your Variables: Double-click on the shapes to label them appropriately.

Step 4: Specify Parameters

1. Set Loading Values: Right-click on the arrows (factor loadings) between latent and observed variables, and select Object Properties to set one loading to 1 for model identification.
2. Correlations: If you have correlations between latent variables, right-click on the arrows connecting them and format as needed.

Step 5: Input the Data

1. Click on File in the top menu and select Data Files.
2. Browse for your SPSS data file (.sav) and load it into AMOS.

Step 6: Estimate the Model

1. Click on the Analyze button (the calculator icon).
2. AMOS will run the model estimation, and this may take a moment depending on model complexity.

Step 7: Review the Output

1. AMOS generates output that includes:
   • Model Fit Indices: Check the Chi-square statistic, CFI, TLI, RMSEA, etc., to assess overall model fit.
   • Standardized Loadings: Review the loadings to determine the strength of relationships between observed and latent variables.

Step 8: Interpret Results

1. Fit Indices: Aim for CFI and TLI values above 0.90 and RMSEA below 0.08 for good fit.
2. Standardized Factor Loadings: Loadings 0.5 or above indicate strong relationships; examine for any low loadings that might suggest model revision.
3. Modification Indices: Review these to identify potential paths that could improve the model fit.

Step 9: Make Adjustments (if necessary)

• If the model fit is poor, consider adjusting paths or re-evaluating your theoretical model based on the evidence.

Step 10: Report Findings

• Prepare a report summarizing model fit statistics, factor loadings, and any modifications made. Include clear visuals of the final model.

Part II. Tutoring for Confirmatory Factor Analysis in AMOS