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A Method for Factoring Large Numbers of Items

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2025

Robert J. Wherry  and
Ben J. Winer
Robert J. Wherry
Affiliation:
The Ohio State University
Ben J. Winer
Affiliation:
University of North Carolina
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Abstract

The computation of intercorrelation matrices involving large numbers of variables and the subsequent factoring of these matrices present a formidable task. A method for estimating factor loadings without computing the intercorrelation matrix is developed. The estimation procedure is derived from a theoretical model which is shown to be a special case of the multiple-group centroid method of factoring. Empirical checks have indicated that the model, even though it makes some stringent assumptions, can be applied to a variety of variables found in psychological factoring problems. It has been found to be particularly useful in factoring test items.

Type
Original Paper
Information
Psychometrika , Volume 18 , Issue 2 , June 1953 , pp. 161 - 179
Copyright
Copyright © 1953 The Psychometric Society

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