Question

In: Math

What is factor analysis? in which situation is it useful?

What is factor analysis? in which situation is it useful?

Solutions

Expert Solution

Solution:

Factor analysis is a statistical method used to describe variability among observed, correlated variables in terms of a potentially lower number of unobserved variables called factors.

The key concept of factor analysis is that multiple observed variables have similar patterns of responses because they are all associated with a latent (i.e. not directly measured) variable.

Factor analysis is a technique that is used to reduce a large number of variables into fewer numbers of factors. This technique extracts maximum common variance from all variables and puts them into a common score. As an index of all variables, we can use this score for further analysis.

For example the relationship of each variable to the underlying factor is expressed by the so-called factor loading. Here is an example of the output of a simple factor analysis looking at indicators of wealth, with just six variables and two resulting factors.


Related Solutions

Give an example to explain how factor analysis can be useful in Multivariate data?
Give an example to explain how factor analysis can be useful in Multivariate data?
Technical analysis Vs Fundamental Analysis Which analysis is useful, technical analysis or fundamental analysis? None of...
Technical analysis Vs Fundamental Analysis Which analysis is useful, technical analysis or fundamental analysis? None of them, one of them, or both of them? From my experience, I feel technical analysis is at least as important as fundamental analysis, yet our textbook only has a very simple and unapplicable introduction on technical analysis. Technical analysis is very useful in helping one entry in or exit out a position, one will be more successful if he/she can combine both technical and...
Contrast the use of horizontal and vertical financial statement analysis. Which analysis is more useful in...
Contrast the use of horizontal and vertical financial statement analysis. Which analysis is more useful in making a good financial decision?
What is incremental analysis? In what types of situations is incremental analysis most useful? Discu
What is incremental analysis? In what types of situations is incremental analysis most useful? Discu
How does the element of termination factor in your opinion on the ethical situation which referred...
How does the element of termination factor in your opinion on the ethical situation which referred to circumstances where it would be OK to accept a gift from a client/coachee?
1. What are the different types of factor analysis and what are they used for in...
1. What are the different types of factor analysis and what are they used for in statistics?
1. What is the purpose of creating a vertical analysis and why is it useful in...
1. What is the purpose of creating a vertical analysis and why is it useful in analyzing a potential investment? 2. What is the purpose of creating a horizontal analysis and why is it useful in analyzing a potential investment? 3. Overall, what do each of the three sections of ratios (Profitability, Liquidity & Solvency) tell a person about a company?
3. Break Even Analysis is a concept in Marginal Costing, which is a useful tool to...
3. Break Even Analysis is a concept in Marginal Costing, which is a useful tool to study the relation between fixed costs and variable costs and revenue. Required to: i. Explain the benefits and limitations of Break Even Analysis. 10 marks ii. Provide your own numerical data and show the calculations for Break Even point in units and in Omani Rials, explaining how Break Even Analysis helps in decision making. 10 marks iii. Construct a Break Even Chart showing all...
Explain the 6 circumstances in which cost benefit analysis is likely to be most useful in...
Explain the 6 circumstances in which cost benefit analysis is likely to be most useful in health care
Give an example of a business-related experience of a situation in which a marginal analysis could...
Give an example of a business-related experience of a situation in which a marginal analysis could be conducted. Explain how you would find and recommend the optimal level of activity for the situation.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT