Three and Four Mode Factor Analysis with Application to ASVAB Data

摘要

The traditional factor analytic view of the PARAFAC model and its extension to a four mode situation with the derivation of the maximum likelihood estimation procedure by the generalized EM algorithm was presented. The four mode model was applied to six data matrices defined by three specialty, (clerical, mechanical, and electrical), times two services, (Air Force and Marine Corps) and successfully recovered the usual four dimensional structure without any rotation. The specialty and service differences was expressed in terms of different weighting of the common factor structure. A model which allows us to compare the factor score means was also investigated.