The use of exploratory factor analysis in secondary research: The case of motivation for learning the Lithuanian language by 8th grade students

Abstract

The article deals with the use of exploratory factor analysis in quantitative secondary research. Exploratory factor analysis helps to find a theoretical background in the data of educational research. The way of proceeding the data in quantitative secondary research can be described as follows: data − exploratory factor analysis – theoretical background of research – interpretation of the data of secondary analysis. The article focuses on the phenomenon of motivation for learning the Lithuanian language by 8th grade students on the basis of the data of national research (2012). Exploratory factor analysis revealed the components of intrinsic motivation for learning the Lithuanian language. The questions Do you like Lithuanian language lessons; Are you interested in writing assignments at Lithuanian language lessons; Are you gifted in the Lithuanian language; Are you interested in reading texts in Lithuanian lessons are related with the factor of intrinsic motivation. The variables You are learning the Lithuanian language because you need to get a well-paid job; You are learning the Lithuanian language because it is important to obtain an interesting job; You are learning the Lithuanian language, because it is important to get entry to a higher school; the Lithuanian language is important to learn other subjects have high factor loadings on another factor, namely extrinsic motivation.