factor analysis

(FA) a broad family of mathematical procedures for reducing a set of interrelations among manifest variables to a smaller set of unobserved latent variables or factors. For example, a number of tests of mechanical ability might be intercorrelated to enable factor analysis to reduce them to a few factors, such as fine motor coordination, speed, and attention. See confirmatory factor analysis; exploratory factor analysis; principal components analysis.

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Psychology term of the day

March 13th 2025

verbal abuse

verbal abuse

extremely critical, threatening, or insulting words delivered in oral or written form and intended to demean, belittle, or frighten the recipient.