# How to use factors (from CFA) as independent variable in Regression Analysis

I calculated 4 factors as latent constructs in a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (I use AMOS). Now I am wondering if it is possible to extract some kind of a factor score like I know it from Exploratory Factor Analysis with SPSS to use those as independent variables in a multiple regression analysis.

Can I use the "Data Imputation" Function of AMOS? What are the risks?

THank you a lot in advance

• – Nick Stauner Jul 31 '14 at 3:20
• thank you. my lecturer said, there would be problems with those calculated scores, because it includes missing values. Does anyone know more about those risks? – Anna0Sophie Aug 1 '14 at 6:35
• I have the exact same problem AnnaOSophie, were you able to resolve this issue? If so, could you please share with me your solutions? Thank you! – Vianra Oct 26 '14 at 10:14

Factor regression, as this plug-in approach is known, is subject to measurement error bias. In linear regression $y=x'\beta + \epsilon$, if $x$ is measured with error, then the OLS estimates are biased towards zero (which is sometimes called attenuation bias). See Skrondal and Laake (2001) for a thorough study of the factor regression issue.