Definition
The bi-factor model is a confirmatory factor analytic model originally proposed for measurement data by Holzinger and Swineford in 1937 (Holzinger & Swineford, 1937) and then generalized to the case of discrete item-response data by Gibbons and Hedeker in 1992 (Gibbons & Hedeker, 1992). The bi-factor restriction requires that each item load on a primary dimension of interest and no more than one secondary dimension. The secondary dimensions or subdomains can be nuisance variables such as positively and negatively worded questions (i.e., a methodologic factor) or content domains from which the items are sampled (e.g., component dimensions underlying the overall quality of one’s life). When appropriate the bi-factor model provides numerous advantages over an unrestricted exploratory item factor analysis model, including rotational invariance and unlimited dimensionality. For categorical item responses, the likelihood of the model can be evaluated using two-dimensional...
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Gibbons, R. (2014). Bi-factor Analysis. In: Michalos, A.C. (eds) Encyclopedia of Quality of Life and Well-Being Research. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0753-5_207
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0753-5_207
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