Factor score estimation is a controversial topic in psychometrics, and the estimation of factor scores from exploratory factor models has historically received a great deal of attention. However, both confirmatory factor models and the existence of missing data have generally been ignored in this debate. This article presents a simulation study…

Based on the conceptualization that social desirable bias (SDB) is a discrete event resulting from an interaction between a scale's items, the testing situation, and the respondent's latent trait on a social desirability factor, we present a method that makes use of factor mixture models to identify which examinees are most likely to provide…

This article proposes a model-based multiple-group procedure for assessing the impact of faking on personality measures and the scores derived from these measures. The assessment is at the item level and the base model, which is intended for binary items, can be parameterized both as an Item Response Theory (IRT) model and as an Item…

A profile is a vector of scores for one examinee. The mean score in the vector can be interpreted as a measure of overall profile height, the variance can be interpreted as a measure of within person variation, and the ipsatized vector of score deviations about the mean can be said to describe the pattern in the score profile. A within person…

This paper describes the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) parameterization of the Profile Analysis via Multidimensional Scaling (PAMS) model to demonstrate validation of profile pattern hypotheses derived from multidimensional scaling (MDS). Profile Analysis via Multidimensional Scaling (PAMS) is an exploratory method for identifying major…

Describes how the nonlinear factor analytic approach of R. McDonald to the normal ogive curve can be used to factor analyze test scores. Discusses the conditions in which this model is more appropriate than the linear model and illustrates the applicability of both models using an empirical example based on data from 1,769 adolescents who took the…

An alternative strategy for computing factor scores was introduced and compared to a popular scoring procedure. The new strategy, which involves unit-weighted composites of standardized items with salient factor score coefficients, is shown superior to the common method. Implications of findings are discussed. (SLD)

Effects of overextracting factors and components within and between maximum likelihood factor analysis and principal components analysis were examined through computer simulation of a range of factor and component patterns. Results demonstrate similarity of component and factor scores during overextraction. Overall, results indicate that…

One hundred and eighteen subjects participated in an 18-trial four-choice probability learning task to determine if probability learning data could be described by a family of learning curves and to identify ability and personality correlates of these curves. (Author)

Principal component, image component, three types of factor score estimates, and one scale score method were compared over different levels of variables, saturations, sample sizes, variable to component ratios, and pattern rotations. There were virtually no overall differences among methods, with the average correlation between matched scores…

Scale-level factor analyses are reported for 2 self-report measures of psychopathology, the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90) and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI), using 130 psychiatric inpatients and outpatients. Used separately, the measures offer limited interpretability of scale profiles. Their combined use permits differentiation…