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

January 5th 2025

head-of-the-table effect

head-of-the-table effect

the propensity for group members to associate the leadership role and its responsibilities with the seat located at the head of the table. As a result, individuals who occupy such positions tend to emerge as leaders in groups without designated leaders. See also Steinzor effect.