Final answer:
Factor analysis is a statistical procedure used to assess internal consistency by identifying underlying factors that explain the pattern of relationships among a large number of variables. It helps measure the reliability and structure of the measured variables.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statistical procedure used to assess internal consistency is Factor analysis. Factor analysis is a technique used to analyze the relationships among a large number of variables and identify underlying dimensions, or factors, that explain the pattern of relationships. It is commonly used in psychology and social sciences to assess the internal consistency of a set of items or questions in a survey or questionnaire.
In factor analysis, the researcher examines the covariance matrix of the items and tries to identify the underlying factors that account for the observed correlations. The goal is to identify factors that have high internal consistency, meaning that the items within each factor are highly correlated with each other. This helps to ensure that the items are measuring the same construct or concept.
Factor analysis is considered a powerful tool for assessing internal consistency because it allows researchers to identify and measure latent variables that may not be directly observable. By uncovering the underlying factors, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the structure and reliability of the measured variables.