4M – Factor Analysis

Factor Analysis using BMDP Statistical Software Program 4M

Factor analysis has three objectives: (1) to study the intercorrelation of many variables by placing them into factors (groups) such that each variable is more highly correlated with the others in its factor than with variables in other factors, (2) to interpret each factor according to the variables belonging to it, and (3) to compute a score for each factor that is a linear combination of the variables in the factor. Input can be data, a correlation or covariance matrix, factor loadings or factor score coefficients. Many results can be saved in a BMDP file including data, rotated loadings, factor score coefficients, etc.

• 4 methods of initial factor extraction
• Correlation matrix in sorted, shaded form
• Several methods of factor rotation
• Squared multiple correlations, sorted factor loadings, factor score coefficients, Mahalanobis distances
• Scree plot (a histogram of eigenvalues)
• Goodness-of-fit chi-square for MLFA
• Cronbach’s alpha
• Computes second-order factors from the factor correlation matrix
• Option to save factor scores, factor loadings, factor correlations
• Option to use several forms of input
• View Program BMDP Program 4M Manual Chapter