Factor Analysis

[KafeelBasha]

Hello

While doing factor analysis using proc factor

1) Can we have discrete and dummy variables together with continuous variables.

2) As per my understanding we can find correlation only if two variables are continuous, since using the option "corr" in proc factor returns correlation or partial correlations, which means if we have discrete or dummy variables proc factor returns partial correlation?.

Is partial correlation is used when we have discrete variables?.

please correct me if I am going wrong.

[PaigeMiller · Accepted solution]

PROC FACTOR does not allow categorical (discrete) variables to be analyzed.

You can use dummy variables into PROC FACTOR, but their use and interpretation is somewhat artificial and strained, and you do so at your own risk. As always, you can use your favorite search engine and type in

dummy variables in factor analysis

to read what people have said about doing this.