Skip to main content
Log in

The mathematical theory of factorial invariance under selection

  • Published:
Psychometrika Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

It is first demonstrated that Aitken's selection formulas are equivalent to a linear transformation in the factor space. On this basis the Thomson-Ledermann theorem concerning the invariance of the number of common factors under selection, and a theorem concerning the invariance of factor loadings under selection are derived. A mathematical proof of the results of Thurstone, which are concerned with the invariance of simple structure under selection, is given. The paper provides a conclusive answer to the question, considered by Thurstone and Thomson, whether a multivariate selection is always reducible to successive univariate selections.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Thurstone, L. L. Multiple-factor analysis. Chicago: Univ. Chicago Press, 1947.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Thomson, G. H. The factorial analysis of human ability. London: Univ. London Press, 1948.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Pearson, K. On the influence of natural selection on the variability and correlation of organs.Phil. Trans. roy. Soc. 1902 A,200, 1–66.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Aitken, A. C. Note on selection from a multivariate normal population.Proc. Edin. math. Soc., 1934,4, 106–110.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Thomson, G. H. The influence of univariate selection on the factorial analysis of ability.Brit. J. Psychol., 1938,28, 451–459.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Ledermann, W. Note on Professor Godfrey H. Thomson's article “The influence of univariate selection on factorial analysis of ability.”Brit. J. Psychol., 1938,29, 69–73.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Thomson, G. H. and Ledermann, W. The influence of multivariate selection on the factorial analysis of ability.Brit. J. Psychol., 1939,29, 288–305.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Ahmavaara, Y. The mathematical theory of factorial invariance under selection. Psychometrika 19, 27–38 (1954). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02288991

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02288991

Keywords

Navigation