The Minres Method of Factor Analysis

Author(s):

Harman, Harry H

Publication Year:

1966

Report Number:

RM-66-16

Source:

ETS Research Memorandum

Document Type:

Report

Page Count:

18

Subject/Key Words:

Correlation, Factor Analysis, Minres Criterion, Statistical Studies

Abstract

A long-sought method of factor analysis—involving the minimization of off-diagonal residuals of the correlation matrix—is developed in this paper. Now that it is available, it might well replace the principal-factor and the maximum-likelihood solutions as the preferred initial factorisation of a correlation matrix. The mathematical method found to be most effective for attack on this problem is the Gauss-Seidel process. A program has been written in FORTRAN for the minres solution. A special feature provides for the control of Heywood cases, which have plagued some other methods of analysis. Minres results are illustrated for several examples, and comparisons made with principal-factor and maximum-likelihood solutions.

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