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Factor Simplicity Index and Transformations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2025

P. M. Bentler
P. M. Bentler*
Affiliation:
University of California at Los Angeles
*
Requests for reprints should be sent to P. M. Bender, Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90024.
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Abstract

A scale-invariant index of factorial simplicity is proposed as a summary statistic for principal components and factor analysis. The index ranges from zero to one, and attains its maximum when all variables are simple rather than factorially complex. A factor scale-free oblique transformation method is developed to maximize the index. In addition, a new orthogonal rotation procedure is developed. These factor transformation methods are implemented using rapidly convergent computer programs. Observed results indicate that the procedures produce meaningfully simple factor pattern solutions.

Keywords

multivariate analysisorthogonal rotationoblique transformation
Type
Original Paper
Information
Psychometrika , Volume 42 , Issue 2 , June 1977 , pp. 277 - 295
Copyright
Copyright © 1977 The Psychometric Society

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Footnotes

This investigation was supported in part by a Research Scientist Development Award (K02-DA00017) and research grants (MH24149 and DA01070) from the U. S. Public Health Service. The assistance of Andrew L. Comrey, Henry F. Kaiser, Bonnie Barron, Marion Hee, and several anonymous reviewers is gratefully acknowledged.

References

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