A multivariate method in which the basic data consist of the observed values of the p characteristics of each of n individuals. The method, introduced in 1931 by Thurstone, aims to explain the p×p variance–covariance matrix for these data in terms of the relationships between a much smaller number (q) of unobserved variables (latent variables) called factors. The underlying proposition is that the jth observed value, xj, is the sum of a linear combination of the factors f1, f2,…, fq and an error term, εj,:
The multipliers λj1, λj2,…, λjq are called factor loadings.
Unlike principal components analysis, which it resembles, the methodology makes many assumptions (for example, that factors exist and that there are exactly q of them). Its use has therefore attracted considerable criticism. Its popularity might be thought to be based on the ability of the method to produce the result desired by the researcher!
See multivariate analysis.
A way to get a small set of (preferably uncorrelated) variables from a large set of variables, most of which are correlated to each other. This will reduce the number of variables and detect structure in the relationships between variables. For an example of its use in geography, see Brown and Raymond (2007) Appl. Geog. 27, 2.
http://www.real-statistics.com/multivariate-statistics/factor-analysis/ Website with online tutorial on factor analysis using Microsoft Excel.
- dominance hierarchy
- dominant
- dominant dead time process
- dominant discharge
- dominant firm
- dominant mode
- dominant strategy
- dominated convergence theorem
- dominator
- Dominian Reef
- Dominica, Commonwealth of
- Dominican Republic
- Dominic, St (1170–1221)
- dominion
- Dominion Astrophysical Observatory
- Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory
- domino effect
- Donahoe, John (1806–30)
- Donaldson, Simon (1957–)
- Donatello
- Donati, Comet
- Donati, Giovanni Battista
- Donatist
- Donau
- Donau/Günz Interglacial