FACTOR-ANALYSES OF MEASURES OF HOME-ENVIRONMENT

This study employed exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis techniques to probe the dimensionality of measures of home environment. Thirty-five (35) demographic, attitudinal, and behavioral indicators were derived from telephone interviews with a probability sample of 2000 parents of seventh-graders participating in a national longitudinal study. The measures included such frequently used indicators as socioeconomic status, home resources, parent expectations, and parent-child communication. LISREL analysis with cross-validation supported a two-factor structure over alternative specifications. The factors were interpreted as family resources and communication-interaction. Results indicate that comprehensive measures of home environment are needed in studies of familial influence on educational and psychological outcomes.