title: Exploring item and higher order factor structure with the Schmid-Leiman solution: syntax codes for SPSS and SAS.
abstract: To ease the interpretation of higher order factor analysis, the direct relationships between variables and higher order factors may be calculated by the Schmid-Leiman solution (SLS; Schmid & Leiman, 1957). This simple transformation of higher order factor analysis orthogonalizes first-order and higher order factors and thereby allows the interpretation of the relative impact of factor levels on variables. The Schmid-Leiman solution may also be used to facilitate theorizing and scale development. The rationale for the procedure is presented, supplemented by syntax codes for SPSS and SAS, since the transformation is not part of most statistical programs. Syntax codes may also be downloaded from www.psychonomic.org/archive/.
authors.affiliation: University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nürnberg, Germany. hans-georg.wolff@wiso.uni-erlangen.de
authors.forename: Hans-Georg
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Wolff
authors.forename: Katja
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Preising
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D003625:Data Collection / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D006801:Humans; D008432:Mathematical Computing; D012984:Software / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires