Impact of factor rotation on Q-methodology analysis

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Psychology
• Methodology

Background:

• Factor rotation is a common step in Q-methodology analysis.
• The impact of different rotation techniques on Q-methodology outcomes is not fully understood.
• Understanding these effects is crucial for accurate interpretation of factors and distinguishing statements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of different factor rotation techniques in Q-methodology.
• To examine how factor rotation affects the resulting factors and their distinguishing statements.
• To compare the outcomes of Varimax, Equamax, and Quartimax rotations.

Main Methods:

• Applied three factor rotation techniques: Varimax, Equamax, and Quartimax.
• Utilized two exemplary datasets for analysis.
• Compared results based on factor loading, number of distinguishing statements, and changes in these statements.

Main Results:

• Factor rotation techniques can substantially change the extracted factors.
• Significant differences were observed in distinguishing statements and factor scores between rotated and unrotated factors.
• For example, only 3 common distinguishing statements were found between unrotated and Varimax-rotated factors in one dataset.

Conclusions:

• The effects of factor rotation on emerging factors in Q-methodology are complex and substantial.
• Rotated factors can differ considerably from the original, unrotated factors.
• Researchers should carefully consider the choice of rotation technique and its potential influence on results.