| Abstract: | In this contribution, we discuss the number of factors to consider as well as the consequences of rotation in the case of principal components analysis, a technique belonging to the family of factor analysis. The article by Freitag in this issue, dedicated to the study of social capital in Switzerland, is used as example. This contribution shows the impact of different missing values estimations and, more generally, stresses the importance of looking at different solutions in an exploratory perspective. It underscores also the importance to have access to the data in order to allow a new analysis and, consequently, the possibility of the scientific debate. |
