A Technique for Facilitating the Rotation of Factor Axes, Based on an Equivalence between Persons and Tests

A technique is outlined which may facilitate the rotation of factor axes to a meaningful position by supplementing the test factor space with tests which are the test-equivalents of persons or groups of persons.

Abstract

A technique is outlined which may facilitate the rotation of factor axes to a meaningful position. It is based on certain relationships between the results of test and person factor analysis, and consists essentially of supplementing the test factor space with tests which are the test-equivalents of persons or groups of persons. These persons may be, for instance, well-known “types” in the domain being investigated, or even “freaks.” The ways in which these persons may be selected and used to determine the final rotated position of the factor axes is discussed.