Comments on "Intraclass Correlation vs. Factor Analytic Techniques for Determining Groups of Profiles."

"A few of the more fundamental misconceptions or technically incorrect statements contained in the paper by Haggard et al. (see record 1960-00131-001)… have been noted. Other technically questionable discussions include the authors' presentation of the orthogonal centroid method… the possible assignment of cases to groups defined by factor analytic methods… and the testing of statistical hypotheses using sets of related observations.' (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Interest profiles of college activity groups. Kuder Preference Record validation.

Kuder Preference Record profiles were drawn for nine male and four female extracurricular college student groups. Certain interests implied in specific group activities (e.g., musical in the college band) were generally well reflected by similarly named Kuder scales. The profiles for female groups were not as marked as those for males in reflecting assumed interests. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A factor analytic study of Eysenck's and Schutz's personality dimensions among psychiatric groups.

As a test of the applicability of Schutz's Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation (FIRO) theory to psychiatric groups a battery of personality inventories, including the Maudsley Personality Inventory and Schutz's Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation-Behavior (FIRO-B), was administered to 3 schizophrenic (N = 20), 3 neurotic (N = 10 - 12), and 1 normal group (N = 20) of male VA patients. All Ss were rated for 1 week on a check list of behaviors paralleling the FIRO-B scales. Factor analysis of the correlations among 25 variables resulted in 6 orthogonal factors. The FIRO behavior check list variables loaded on the same factors as the FIRO-B scales, Schutz's "inclusion" dimension combined with Eysenck's "extraversion" factor, but "control" and "affection" appeared as separate factors. Additional factors of "emotionality," "social status," and "deteriorated paranoia" appeared in the factor loading matrix. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A factor analytic investigation of personality variables and reminiscence in motor learning.

The effect of personality type upon learning and reminiscence was studied. Personality factors (as measured by the Guilford-Zimmerman Temperament Survey, 1949) were assessed in relationship to pursuit-motor learning. The results indicated that extraversion appears to be related to performance in the motor task as well as reminiscence, but that the relationship, as found in this study by these methods, is not large. From Psyc Abstracts 36:04:4CF98B. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The application of temporal correlation techniques in psychology.

"Definitions and computation procedures for various temporal correlation techniques are presented. These techniques include serial correlations for discrete data and correlation functions for continuous data. Specifically described are autocorrelations for temporal relatedness within one series of data, and crosscorrelations for such relatedness between two series. These techniques are appropriate for discovery of both cyclical and noncyclical temporal phenomena. Various applications of temporal correlation techniques within psychology are described." 29 references. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A factor analytic study of Negro and white responses to advertising stimuli.

In order to develop a method for determining group reaction to advertising and mass media concepts, 93 white (W) and 88 Negro (N) Ss judged 10 advertising-type stimuli on a 22-scale semantic differential. Factor analyses yielded a scale structure and a concept structure. Ns and Ws had a similar scale structure. The concept structure revealed that Ws distinguished between "typical" advertising stimuli and those with racial overtones; while Ns, on the other hand, treated all concepts similarly on the first factor. The present approach determining the semantic and "conceptual" structure in separate factor analyses may be applicable to other problems involving the semantic differential. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comparing factor analytic models of the DSM-IV personality disorders.

There is little agreement about the latent factor structure of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) personality disorders (PDs). Factor analytic studies over the past 2 decades have yielded different results, in part reflecting differences in factor analytic technique, the measure used to assess the PDs, and the changing DSM criteria. In this study, we explore the latent factor structure of the DSM (4th ed.; IV) PDs in a sample of 1200 psychiatric outpatients evaluated with the Structured Interview for DSM–IV PDs (B. Pfohl, N. Blum, & M. Zimmerman, 1997). We first evaluated 2 a priori models of the PDs with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), reflecting their inherent organization in the DSM–IV: a 3-factor model and a 10-factor model. Fit statistics did not suggest that these models yielded an adequate fit. We then evaluated the latent structure with exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Multiple solutions produced more statistically and theoretically reasonable results, as well as providing clinically useful findings. On the basis of fit statistics and theory, 3 models were evaluated further—the 4-, 5-, and 10-factor models. The 10-factor model, which did not resemble the 10-factor model of the CFA, was determined to be the strongest of all 3 models. Future research should use contemporary methods of evaluating factor analytic results in order to more thoroughly compare various factor solutions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Substantive significance of significant differences between two groups.

A simple extension of discriminant analysis is described which leads to an estimate of the proportion misclassified when significant differences are used for classifying individuals into 2 groups. The estimate is obtained by a simple operation upon the t ratio in the univariate case and upon the multiple point-biserial correlation coefficient in the multivariate case. The assumptions made are those normally employed for the initial test of significance performed on the mean differences. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Taxometric and factor analytic models of anxiety sensitivity: Integrating approaches to latent structural research.

This study represents an effort to better understand the latent structure of anxiety sensitivity (AS), as indexed by the 16-item Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI; S. Reiss, R. A. Peterson, M. Gursky, & R. J. McNally, 1986), by using taxometric and factor-analytic approaches in an integrative manner. Taxometric analyses indicated that AS has a taxonic latent class structure (i.e., a dichotomous latent class structure) in a large sample of North American adults (N = 2,515). As predicted, confirmatory factor analyses indicated that a multidimensional 3-factor model of AS provided a good fit for the AS complement class (normative or low-risk form) but not the AS taxon class (high-risk form). Exploratory factor analytic results suggested that the AS taxon may demonstrate a unique, unidimensional factor solution, though there are alternative indications that it may be characterized by a 2-factor solution. Findings suggest that the latent structural nature of AS can be conceptualized as a taxonic latent class structure composed of 2 types or forms of AS, each of these forms characterized by its own unique latent continuity and dimensional structure. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

A short method of factor analysis.

"Occasions arise where it is desirable to apply factor analytic techniques, but the exploratory nature of the work and the time available may not justify a complete centroid analysis. A diagonal method, modified by using reliabilities instead of guessed communalities in the diagonal cells, is suggested as a statisfactory and economical substitute for the complete centroid solution under certain conditions. The results of an empirical comparison of this method with the complete centroid method on one correlation matrix show that the two agreed fairly closely upon most of the factors obtained." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Dimensionality assessment of ordered polytomous items with parallel analysis.

Parallel analysis (PA) is an often-recommended approach for assessment of the dimensionality of a variable set. PA is known in different variants, which may yield different dimensionality indications. In this article, the authors considered the most appropriate PA procedure to assess the number of common factors underlying ordered polytomously scored variables. They proposed minimum rank factor analysis (MRFA) as an extraction method, rather than the currently applied principal component analysis (PCA) and principal axes factoring. A simulation study, based on data with major and minor factors, showed that all procedures consistently point at the number of major common factors. A polychoric-based PA slightly outperformed a Pearson-based PA, but convergence problems may hamper its empirical application. In empirical practice, PA-MRFA with a 95% threshold based on polychoric correlations or, in case of nonconvergence, Pearson correlations with mean thresholds appear to be a good choice for identification of the number of common factors. PA-MRFA is a common-factor-based method and performed best in the simulation experiment. PA based on PCA with a 95% threshold is second best, as this method showed good performances in the empirically relevant conditions of the simulation experiment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Structural equation modeling with interchangeable dyads.

Structural equation modeling (SEM) can be adapted in a relatively straightforward fashion to analyze data from interchangeable dyads (i.e., dyads in which the 2 members cannot be differentiated). The authors describe a general strategy for SEM model estimation, comparison, and fit assessment that can be used with either dyad-level or pairwise (double-entered) dyadic data. They present applications illustrating this approach with the actor-partner interdependence model, confirmatory factor analysis, and latent growth curve analysis. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Multitrait-multisource confirmatory factor analytic approach to the construct validity of ADHD rating scales.

Confirmatory factor analysis was used to model a multitrait-multisource design to evaluate the construct validity of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) rating scales. The 2 trait factors were the ADHD inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity dimensions. The 2 source factors were parents and teachers. In Study 1, parents and teachers rated 1,475 Australian elementary school children on the ADHD symptoms. In Study 2, parents and teachers rated 285 Brazilian elementary school children on the ADHD symptoms. Similar results occurred in both studies with most of the ADHD symptoms containing more source than trait variance, thus providing weak evidence for the convergent and discriminant validity of the symptoms as measured by rating scales. The study outlines the implications of such strong source effects for understanding ADHD. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A comparison of three sets of rotated factor analytic solutions of self-concept data.

"Two equated groups of 96 Ss rated the self-concept on 40 semantic scales. Each set of data was separately factor analyzed and rotated by three objective procedures. Corresponding pairs of rotated solutions were compared to determine which method yielded greatest invariance. Kaiser's normal varimax method of rotation provided the most satisfactory factor structure for interpretation. Six dimensions of the self-concept were identified, and were called Self-Confidence, Social Worth, Corpulence, Potency, Independence, and Tension-Discomfort." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A factor analysis of managers' ratings.

Assignment ratings on 97 insurance company division managers, for a list of 20 assignments, were factor-analyzed into an orthogonal solution containing a general factor and five group factors. The group factors were named: "Skill in dealing with others," "Judgment," "Effectiveness in supervising the work," "Effectiveness in planning the work," and "Effectiveness in improving operating efficiency." The general factor accounted for more of the variance than any of the group factors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The impact of school-based mentoring on youths with different relational profiles.

Associations between youths' relationship profiles and mentoring outcomes were explored in the context of a national, randomized study of 1,139 youths (54% female) in geographically diverse Big Brothers Big Sisters school-based mentoring programs. The sample included youths in Grades 4–9 from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, the majority of whom were receiving free or reduced-price lunch. Latent profile analysis, a person-oriented approach, was used to identify 3 distinct relational profiles. Mentoring was found to have differential effects depending on youths' preintervention approach to relationships. In particular, youths who, at baseline, had satisfactory, but not particularly strong, relationships benefited more from mentoring than did youths with profiles characterized by either strongly positive or negative relationships. Implications for research and practice are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Motivational profiles from a self-determination perspective: The quality of motivation matters.

The present research complements extant variable-centered research that focused on the dimensions of autonomous and controlled motivation through adoption of a person-centered approach for identifying motivational profiles. Both in high school students (Study 1) and college students (Study 2), a cluster analysis revealed 4 motivational profiles: a good quality motivation group (i.e., high autonomous, low controlled); a poor quality motivation group (i.e., low autonomous, high controlled); a low quantity motivation group (i.e., low autonomous, low controlled); and a high quantity motivation group (i.e., high autonomous, high controlled). To compare the 4 groups, the authors derived predictions from qualitative and quantitative perspectives on motivation. Findings generally favored the qualitative perspective; compared with the other groups, the good quality motivation group displayed the most optimal learning pattern and scored highest on perceived need-supportive teaching. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A factor analysis of the Beck Inventory of Depression.

Afactor analysis of the Beck Inventory of Depression, based on the responses of 254 significantly depressed hospital patients, has yielded 3 interpretable factors. The largest factor was that of affective depression referred to here as a factor of "guilty depression." The 2 remaining factors were interpreted as "retarded depression" and "somatic disturbance." These 3 factors showed some correspondence to the factors found by other investigators. The suggestion is made that the etiology of various depressed states may be associated with different levels of mental functioning. The need for additional factor analytic studies, which include behavioral and physiological measures, is noted. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comparison of factor structure models for the Beck Depression Inventory--II.

Factor analyses of the Beck Depression Inventory--II (A. T. Beck, R. A. Steer, & G. K. Brown, 1996) have frequently produced 2 different 2-factor oblique structures. The author used confirmatory factor analyses to compare these structures with a general-factor model with 2 orthogonal group factors. The general-factor model fit as well as or better than the 2-factor models when applied to item data from previous studies (3 clinical and 2 college samples). Communalities associated with the General Depression factor ranged from 71% to 82%. Cognitive and Somatic group factors were indicative of intropunitiveness and fatigue. It was concluded that the general-factor model gives an acceptable empirical explanation of item covariance structure and offers a conceptual interpretation that is well suited to clinical practice and research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Interpreting the magnitudes of correlation coefficients.

Discusses empirical guidelines for interpreting the magnitude of correlation coefficients, a key index of effect size, in psychological studies. The author uses the work of J. Cohen (see record 1987-98267-000), in which operational definitions were offered for interpreting correlation coefficients, and examines two meta-analytic reviews (G. J. Meyer et al., see record 2001-00159-003; and M. W. Lipsey et al., see record 1994-18340-001) to arrive at the empirical guidelines. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)