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The Orthogonal Approximation of an Oblique Structure in Factor Analysis

Author(s):
Green, Bert F., Jr.
Publication Year:
1951
Report Number:
RB-51-18
Source:
ETS Research Bulletin
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
11
Subject/Key Words:
Factor Analysis, Oblique Rotation, Orthogonal Rotation

Abstract

In factor analysis problems, it is common practice to rotate the factor matrix to simple structure by means of oblique transformations. It is more difficult as well as uneconomical to use orthogonal transformations in the rotation. However, there are situations in which it is desired to have the final rotated factors orthogonal. The problem has arisen of finding an orthogonal transformation of the centroid factor matrix which most closely approximates a given oblique structure. Various ways of obtaining such an orthogonal transformation may be obtained as special cases of the solution to a somewhat more general problem. The general problem and the application to factor analysis are considered here. A mathematical appendix is also included. (JGL)

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