Multivariate statistics V. The use of factor scores in psychiatric research

Abstract

This paper provides an introductory account of the use of factor analysis in psychiatric research. Emphasis is placed on the value of principal components analysis with varimax rotation as a technique for data reduction. Guidelines are given on the selection of measures of association, on factor extraction, on the interpretation of factor structure, and on the calculation of factor scores. This account of factor analysis is illustrated with WISC-R sub-test data from a sample of 550 twins.

Key Words:

• Factor analysis
• Principal component analysis
• WISC-R