Factor analysis. Fact or fabrication
In this survey paper the author critically examines all aspects of factor analysis: the data structure it is intended to describe; the methods of analysis aimed at estimating that structure; and the interpretations placed on the results of the analysis. The first part of the paper deals with the theory underlying the technique. It is shown that, in general, the estimation problem of factor analysis is insoluble. In particular, if there are p variables, and m factors are to be identified, there...