Factor analysis, in vocational psychology dictionary

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Dictionary of Vocational Psychology

Factor Analysis

A quantitative method for identifying common constructs underlying a number of variables. Originally used to identify common factors underlying scores on cognitive ability tests, factor analysis has been applied to almost every possible problem of measurement in vocational psychology, but particularly to the development and validation of tests and inventories. There are two primary uses for factor analysis: reducing a large number of variables (or tests) to a smaller number through identification of common variance; and understanding the relation between tests. Factor analysis may also be used for purposes of exploring relationships in data (exploratory factor analysis) or testing the degree of fit to predefined models (confirmatory factor analysis).

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