The identification of two factors when one factor is expected is an artifact caused by using factor analysis on data that would be more appropriately analyzed with a unidimensional unfolding model. A numerical illustration is given, and ways to determine whether data conform to the unidimensional unfolding model are reviewed. (SLD)

A class of oblique rotation procedures is proposed to rotate a pattern matrix so that it optimally resembles a matrix that has an exact simple pattern. It is demonstrated that the method can recover relatively complex simple structures where other simple structure rotation techniques fail. (SLD)

Examined factor structure of Family-of-Origin Scale (FOS). Used confirmatory factor analysis to examine similarities of factor structure obtained in study of 162 gay and bisexual men with those proposed theoretically by test authors. Concluded that findings do not support theoretically proposed factor structure of FOS and that value of FOS is…

Family stress is examined across normative, moderate-risk, and high-risk samples with particular focus on the development of scales measuring components of stress from a single "daily hassles" questionnaire. A three-factor model, including interpersonal tension, financial problems, and child-related difficulties, was developed using confirmatory…

Examined the optimal value of "k" for promax factor rotations through a Monte Carlo study involving 10,080 factor analyses. Results show that in factor-analytic studies using promax, the value of "k" may be set appropriately at 2, 3, or 4. (Author/SLD)

Studied the unidimensionality of the 16 noncognitive scales of the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF) and the hierarchical factor structure of the inventory. Results using the Schmid Leiman orthogonalization procedure (J. Schmid and J. Leiman, 1957) showed that the noncognitive multi-item composites could be factored into 16…

H. F. Kaiser, S. Hunka, and J. Bianchini have presented a method (1971) to compare two matrices of factor loadings based on the same variables, but different groups of individuals. The optimal rotation involved is examined from a mathematical point of view, and the method is shown to be invalid. (SLD)

Examined the factor structure of the Multidimensional Aptitude Battery (MAB) (D. Jackson, 1984) and the overlap between the MAB and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scales-Revised (WAIS-R) using a sample of 85 adults. Results show conditions under which the MAB is a suitable alternative to the MAB. The MAB is not suitable when detailed information…

Investigated the effects of positive versus negative orientation in item wording on interpretation of the Teacher Efficacy Scale (TES) factor structure by varying the orientation of items across both dimensions of efficacy. Teachers completed one of two forms of the TES. Three potential factor structures were examined using principal axis…

Used logistic regression to model the observation-to-variable ratio required for the standard error scree procedure to identify the number of factors in simulated data correctly. Results demonstrate the ability of logistic regression to simplify summarizing and reporting findings from simulation studies that involve a large number of conditions.…

Studied the factorial validity of scores on the Teacher Interpersonal Self-Efficacy Scale across 2 samples of 416 teachers each. Confirmatory factor analysis results support the hypothesis that the three teacher self-efficacy subscales comprise three different activities linked to teacher beliefs. (SLD)

Recently, a question was raised as to whether the multidimensionality of some professional licensing exams is due to the administration of subtests measuring conceptually distinct skills or, alternatively, strategic preparation on the part of groups of examinees attempting to cope with the demands of multiple hurdle certification systems. This…

In the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Third Edition (WAIS-III; D. Wechsler, 1997), the manual reports several confirmatory factor analyses in support of the instrument's latent factor structure. In practice, examiners frequently compare an examinee's score from a current administration of the WAIS-III with the results from a previous test…

and discussed.There has been some debate recently over the scoring, reliability and factor structure of ability measures of emotional intelligence (EI). This study examined these three psychometric properties with the most recent ability test of EI, the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT V2.0; Mayer, Salovey, & Caruso,…

Past attempts to model via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) intersubtest covariation have used an oblique factor or a higher order modeling approach. The attempts have failed to yield adequate model fit, based on current CFA recommendations. Using the WAIS-R standardization data, it is…