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…

Current self-concept theories suggest a multi-dimensional construct, with domain-specific self-concepts hierarchically related to global self-concept. The academic domain may be comprised of subject-specific domains that are related to performance in corresponding areas. Here, gifted students' responses to questions about how they compare with…

Factor analysis allows researchers to conduct exploratory analyses of latent variables, reduce data in large datasets, and test specific models. The purpose of this paper is to review common uses of factor analysis, provide general guidelines for best practices, illustrate these guidelines with examples using previously published self-concept…

Despite favorable psychometric properties, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire for the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (4th ed.) (GAD-Q-IV) does not have a known factor structure, which calls into question use of its original weighted scoring system (usually referred to as the dimensional score).…

The Questionnaire about Interpersonal Difficulties for Adolescents (QIDA) is a self-report instrument designed to measure adolescents' perceived interpersonal anxiety levels in a wide range of relationships with people of different ages, genders, levels of authority, and levels of intimacy and in several contexts: family, school, friends, opposite…