Statistically speaking, a factor is
A) the intercorrelation between variables
B) the sum total of the matrix loadings
C) a weighted linear sum of the variables
D) none of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A factor, in the context of factor analysis in statistics, is a weighted linear sum of the variables. This method is used to identify underlying variables, or factors, that explain the pattern of correlations within a set of observed variables.

Statistically Speaking, a Factor Is