Multivariate Exploratory Data Analysis : A Perspective on Exploratory Factor Analysis

In an exciting return to the roots of factor analysis, Allen Yates reviews its early history to clarify original objectives created by its discoverers and early developers. He then shows how computers can be used to accomplish the goals established by these early visionaries, while taking into account modern developments in the field of statistics that legitimize exploratory data analysis as a technique of discovery.The book presents a unique perspective on all phases of exploratory factor analysis. In doing so, the popular objectives of the method are literally turned upside down both at the stage where the model is being fitted to data and in the subsequent stage of simple structure transformation for meaningful interpretation. What results is a fully integrated approach to exploratory analysis of associations among observed variables, revealing underlying structure in a totally new and much more invariant manner than ever before possible.Dr. Yates is Senior Project Director at The Psychological Corporation. Pt. I. Introductory Algebra, Geometry, And Terminology. 1. The Factor Analysis Model -- Pt. Ii. Transformation Of Primary Factors On The Basis Of Thurstone's Original Mathematical Criterion For A Best-fitting Simple Structure. 2. Simple Structure Transformation -- Practical Application Of Direct Geomin Transformation -- Pt. Iii. Bounding The Test Vector Configuration With Hyperplanes Through Simple Structure Transformation. 4. Simple Structure Reconsidered -- Bounding Hyperplane Simple Structure Transformation -- A Global Strategy For Bounding Hyperplane Simple Structure Transformation -- Factorial Invariance And The Global Direct Geoplane Transformation Strategy -- Pt. Iv. Distinguishing Invariant Major Common Factors From Unstable Minor Factors Of Group Overlap. 8. Alternative Approaches To The Problem Of Extracting Common Factors -- 9. Resistant Fitting And The Number Of Factors Problem--toward Fully Exploratory Factor Analysis -- Pt. V. Fully Exploratory Factor Analysis. 10. Historical Perspective, Practical Application, And Future Possibilities -- Epilogue: Release From The Burden Of Confirmation In Fully Exploratory Multivariate Data Analysis -- App.: Summary Of Computational Steps. Allen Yates. Includes Index. Bibliography: P. 337-346.