Abstract
A currently popular procedure in empirical factor analytic studies is to use unities in the main diagonal as communality estimates, extract all factors with eigenvalues of 1.0 or higher, and rotate these factors by varimax. This procedure and others are applied to several previously published correlation matrices and some artificial matrices. This procedure results in the retention of too many factors, unrealistic elevation of the amount of common factor variance analyzed, and distortions in the conclusions drawn from the factor analytic investigation. Ways of avoiding these difficulties, are discussed.
Keywords
Varimax rotationFactor (programming language)Variance (accounting)Factor analysisStatisticsDiagonalMathematicsEconometricsComputer sciencePsychometricsCronbach's alphaGeometry
Related Publications
Evaluation of Factor Analytic Research Procedures by means of Simulated Correlation Matrices
In order to study the effectiveness of factor analytic methods, a procedure was developed for computing simulated correlation matrices which are more similar to real data correl...
Factor Analysis as a Tool for Survey Analysis
Factor analysis is particularly suitable to extract few factors from the large number of related variables to a more manageable number, prior to using them in other analysis suc...
Teacher Efficacy: A Study of Construct Dimensions
This study examined the structure of a construct generally labeled teacher efficacy. A sample of 342 prospective and experienced teachers was administered an efficacy questionna...
Reliability and Construct Validity of the Maslach Burnout Inventory in a Sample of University Students
A sample of 72 university students was administered the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Item responses were intercorrelated and subjected to a principal factors analysis follow...
The Varimax Criterion for Analytic Rotation in Factor Analysis
An analytic criterion for rotation is defined. The scientific advantage of analytic criteria over subjective (graphical) rotational procedures is discussed. Carroll's criterion ...
Publication Info
- Year
- 1979
- Type
- article
- Volume
- 14
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 301-321
- Citations
- 119
- Access
- Closed
External Links
Social Impact
Altmetric
PlumX Metrics
Social media, news, blog, policy document mentions
Citation Metrics
119
OpenAlex
Cite This
Howard B. Lee,
Andrew L. Comrey
(1979).
Distortions In A Commonly Used Factor Analytic Procedure.
Multivariate Behavioral Research
, 14
(3)
, 301-321.
https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327906mbr1403_2
Identifiers
- DOI
- 10.1207/s15327906mbr1403_2