# 40. CFA

## Purpose

Does the proposed four-factor student-wellbeing measurement model fit the observed covariance structure?

## Practice study

- File: [student-wellbeing-cfa.csv](../samples/student-wellbeing-cfa.csv)
- Observations: 500
- Data type: deterministic synthetic instructional data
- Complexity: a realistic multi-construct model with multi-item measurement blocks

## Exact procedure

1. Start QuickPLS and choose **New Project**. Enter a readable project name such as **CFA Tutorial** and choose a local `.qpls` destination.

2. Open **Data**, choose **Import Data**, select **student-wellbeing-cfa.csv**, keep the detected header row, review the preview, and choose **Import**. Confirm 500 observations are available.

   ![CFA imported data](../screenshots/cfa/01-data-ready.png)

3. Create the following measurement model: Autonomy, Competence, Relatedness, and Wellbeing, each reflective with four matching indicators.

   Add these structural paths: No directional structural paths for CFA; allow the four latent variables to covary as supported by the CFA workspace.

4. Choose **Arrange** once after completing the model, review the diagram, and save the project. Do not change the canvas again before this tutorial calculation.

   ![CFA prepared model or variable roles](../screenshots/cfa/02-arranged-model.png)

5. Choose **Validate** and resolve every blocker. Save once after the model is ready.

6. Use **Calculate → CB-SEM / CFA → CFA point mode**.

   ![CFA calculation setup](../screenshots/cfa/03-calculation-setup.png)

7. Complete the method-specific settings:

- Use raw continuous data
- Confirm there are no directional structural regressions

8. Read **Readiness**, leave **Open Results when finished** selected, and choose **Start calculation** once. Wait for **Completed**; do not close the project while the result is being saved.

9. In **Results**, confirm **CFA** is selected and inspect these outputs in order:

1. Fit summary
2. Factor loadings
3. Variances and covariances
4. Standardized solution
5. Residuals

   ![CFA primary result](../screenshots/cfa/04-results-primary.png)

   ![CFA secondary result](../screenshots/cfa/05-results-secondary.png)

10. Choose **Save Report** to preserve the exact result. Use **Export** for the needed table/report format. Close and reopen the project once and confirm the saved result remains selectable.

## Reading guidance

- The data are deterministic synthetic teaching data. They are suitable for reproducing the workflow, not for substantive publication claims.