Rotation for simple loadings

Abstract

Existing analytic oblique rotation schemes proceed by optimizing a simplicity function applied to the reference structure. This article suggests optimizing a simplicity function applied to primary loadings directly. The feasibility of the suggestion is demonstrated using the quartimin criterion. An algorithm to implement the optimization is derived and the existence of an admissible solution proved. Practical comparisons with the biquartimin method are made using Thurstone's Box Problem and Holzinger and Swineford's Twenty-Four Psychological Tests Problem.