ABSTRACT
Sir Francis Gallon conceptualized the correlation and regression procedure for examining covariance in two or more traits, and Karl Pearson (1896) developed the statistical formula for the correlation coefficient and regression based on his suggestion (Crocker & Algina, 1986; Ferguson & Takane, 1989; Tankard, 1984). Shortly thereafter, Charles Spearman (1904) used the correlation procedure to develop a factor analysis technique. The correlation, regression, and factor analysis techniques have for many decades formed the basis for generating tests and defining constructs. Today, researchers are expanding their understanding of the roles that correlation, regression, and factor analysis play in theory and construct definition to include latent variable, covariance structure, and confirmatory factor measurement models.
