ABSTRACT
In the history of factor analysis, geometry was used in developing many of the principles of the factor models. The impact of geometry is still found in phrases such as “rotation of factors.” Although factor-analytic principles and procedures are now generally developed by matrix algebra, a brief overview of the factor models from the geometric viewpoint can add greatly to one's intuitive understanding. It is particularly helpful when considering such problems as the number and placement of factors. More detailed presentations of the geometric approach to factor analysis are given in Harman (1967, Chapter 4) and in Thurstone (1947, pages 32–50, Chapter 3). These references provide the deriva-tions for this chapter.
