| Abstract: | The use of factor analysis in analyzing real data is influenced not only by mathematical models but also by the objectives of the research at hand, the amount of data to be analyzed and the departures of the data from the model. Factor analysis is a process performed in several steps, including data screening and assessment of assumptions necessary for the model as well as the actual computations—the new analyst may need assistance in deter-mining the initial method of extraction, how many factors to request, the method of rotation and how to interpret the factors— these steps are discussed with reference to figures containing computer output for a real problem. The importance of auxiliary information and graphical displays to aid the statistician during the factor analysis process is stressed. |
