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R-factor analysis of data generated by a combination of R- and Q-factors leads to biased loading estimates

2022/01/28 by André Beauducel, Beauducel, André
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Mathematics · #62H25 #Applications (stat.AP) #FOS: Computer and information sciences #Genetics and Plant Breeding #Sensory Analysis and Statistical Methods #Statistical Methods and Applications

paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2201.11973

openalex publication_date 2022/01/28 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28

Abstract

Effects of performing R-factor analysis of observed variables based on population models comprising R- and Q-factors were investigated. It was noted that estimating a model comprising R- and Q-factors has to face loading indeterminacy beyond rotational indeterminacy. Although R-factor analysis of data based on a population model comprising R- and Q-factors is nevertheless possible, this may lead to model error. Accordingly, even in the population, the resulting R-factor loadings are not necessarily close estimates of the original population R-factor loadings. It was shown in a simulation study that large Q-factor variance induces an increase of the variation of R-factor loading estimates beyond chance level. The results indicate that performing R-factor analysis with data based on a population model comprising R- and Q-factors may result in substantial loading bias. Tests of the multivariate kurtosis of observed variables are proposed as an indicator of possible Q-factor variance in observed variables as a prerequisite for R-factor analysis.

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