An Analysis of the U.S. Navy Enlisted Separation Questionnaire
Abstract
This thesis reports a factor analysis of the U.S. Navy Enlisted Separation Questionnaire, using respondent data from the second quarter (January-March) of fiscal year 1980. The objectives and uses of this questionnaire by the Navy are discussed and the factor analysis methodology is developed. The questionnaire data are then analyzed, constrained originally to the initial categories used by the Navy, and then unconstrained as to a specific number of factors. The relationship of the individual attitudinal dimensions to the composition of these factors is then discussed. The findings reconfirm the fact that perceptions concerning pay/compensation, family separation and job dissatisfaction are strongly related to the decision to leave the Navy. Discriminant analysis, discriminating between those personnel given desirable reenlistment codes and those given undesirable reenlistment codes, was also performed. The results of these analyses reveal that the initial nine categories, used as the independent variables in the discriminant functions, have moderate discriminating potential. More importantly, the discriminant coefficients strongly support the significant loadings reported in the factor analyses. Finally it is concluded that the results from the Navy Enlisted Separation Questionnaire could be effectively described by three common factors rather than the nine categories currently used, and that redundancy in the items could be removed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA104122
Entities
People
- Roger C. Adams
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School