Religiosity structure: confirmatory factor analysis, exploratory factor analysis and a network-based approach

Conceptual models of religiosity eventually define a list of indices and also a grouping of these indices within their corresponding dimensions. The main contribution of this paper is to modify this grouping based on observational data. It is calimed that if the questionnaire is deigned carefully, then conducting confirmatory and exploratory analysis can be helful in modifying the grouping of the primary conceptual model. It is also claimed that using network approaches it is possible to analyse the relationship between the indices of religiosity directly.Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the grouping of our questionnaire which was based on shojaie-zand model. Exploratory factor analysis shows one big and three small factors; the big factor count for almost half of the variance. Network based approaches shows that cognitive elements of religiosity are more central than its behavioral elements. Network approach also shows that depriving behaviors are more central in mens' religiosity and worshipping behaviors are more central in womens'.