A General Approach for Fitting Pure Exploratory Bifactor Models. (2nd January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lorenzo-Seva, Urbano; Ferrando, Pere J.
• Is Part Of: Multivariate behavioral research. Volume 54:Number 1(2019)
• Page Start: 15
• Page End: 30
• Publication Date: 2019-01-02
• Subjects: Bifactor solutions -- exploratory factor analysis -- orthogonal Procrustes rotations -- orthogonal and oblique analytical rotations -- semispecified target matrices; Psychometrics -- Periodicals; Psychology, Experimental -- Periodicals; Psychology, Experimental; Psychometrics; Periodicals; 150.15195
• DOI: 10.1080/00273171.2018.1484339
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0027-3171

Abstract

Abstract: This article proposes a procedure for fitting a pure exploratory bifactor solution in which the general factor is orthogonal to the group factors, but the loadings on the group factors can satisfy any orthogonal or oblique rotation criterion. The proposal combines orthogonal Procrustes rotations with analytical rotations and consists of a sequence of four steps. The basic input is a semispecified target matrix that can be (a) defined by the user, (b) obtained by using Schmid-Leiman orthogonalization, or (c) automatically built from a conventional unrestricted solution based on a prescribed number of factors. The relevance of the proposal and its advantages over existing procedures is discussed and assessed via simulation. Its feasibility in practice is illustrated with two empirical examples in the personality domain.