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Unrestricted factor analysis of multidimensional test items based on an objectively refined target matrix.
Urbano Lorenzo-Seva1, Pere J Ferrando2
1Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain. urbano.lorenzo@urv.cat.
Behavior Research Methods
|February 21, 2019
Summary
Researchers can now objectively refine target matrices in factor analysis using RETAM. This new procedure automates threshold computation, improving the analysis of psychological constructs and aiding in situations with incomplete measurement theory.
Area of Science:
- Psychometrics
- Psychological Measurement
- Statistical Analysis
Background:
- Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) structures are often rejected in confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).
- Unrestricted factor analysis (UFA) with Procrustes rotation is an alternative, minimizing distance to a researcher-proposed target matrix.
- Refining partially specified target matrices often relies on subjective human judgment.
Purpose of the Study:
- Introduce RETAM, a novel, objective procedure for refining target matrices in factor analysis.
- Provide an automated method for refining target matrices, removing the need for manual researcher intervention.
- Enhance the application of UFA, particularly when measurement theory is incomplete.
Main Methods:
- Developed RETAM for objective target matrix refinement in UFA.
- Implemented an automated threshold computation within RETAM.
- Tested RETAM through an extensive simulation study.
- Illustrated RETAM's practical feasibility with an empirical example from personality research.
Main Results:
- Simulation results suggest RETAM is a useful procedure for factor analysis.
- RETAM automates objective refinement, unlike previous subjective methods.
- The procedure is implemented in a widely used noncommercial UFA program.
Conclusions:
- RETAM offers an objective and automated approach to target matrix refinement in factor analysis.
- This method is particularly beneficial for studies with incomplete measurement theory.
- RETAM enhances the practical application of unrestricted factor analysis.
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