In each analysis the eigenvalue of second and subsequent factors was less than unity, indicating there was only one underlying factor measured by the questionnaire for each learning activity. Factor analysis of responses to the questionnaires for each of the four learning activities. In every case the eigenvalue of second and subsequent factors was less than unity and so only one underlying factor was identified. Factor loadings represent the correlation of the variable with the extracted factor. Figure 3 shows the contribution made to 'overall effectiveness' of each learning activity by the remaining quiz items.
Unique contributions made by each item appear to vary considerably between activities.
Thus it appeared that students' ratings of learning activities were based on different expectations. There was no decrease in achievement in competing companion topics. The contribution made to 'overall effectiveness' of each learning activity by the remaining questionnaire items. The area of the circles represents the total variance of 'overall effectiveness'. The shaded areas represent the proportion of variance uniquely predicted by the item.