Structure and process of modernization. Some remarks on recurrent features in geographical studies of modernization

Lundqvist, J. 1974. Structure and process of modernization. Some remarks on recurrent features in geographical studies of modernization. Norsk geogr. Tidsskr. 28, 103–113.

The so-called modernization studies of some African countries are discussed. More specifically the application of principal components and factor analysis techniques is critically reviewed. Attention is focused on: 1. The basic idea behind principal components and factor analysis – that of collapsing intercorrelated variables into a few independent factors. 2. Data requirements in the light of the statistical assumptions underlying the techniques. 3. The interpretation of factors. 4. The problem of scale and proper areal or reference units. 5. The selection of variables for studies of modernization. 6. The need to link principal components and factor analysis studies and the choice of variables to theory.