Abstract
Estimates for the reliability of Thurstone’s regression factor score estimator, Bartlett’s factor score estimator, and McDonald’s factor score estimator were proposed. Moreover, conditions for equal reliability of the factor score estimators were presented and the reliability estimates were compared by means of simulation studies. Under conditions inducing unequal reliabilities, reliability estimates were largest for the regression score estimator and lowest for McDonald’s factor score estimator. We provide an R-script and an SPSS-script for the computation of the respective reliability estimates.
Highlights
Factor score estimators are computed when individual scores on the factors are of interest
A simulation study was performed at the level of the population for sets of observed variables for which the factor model holds in the population
It was shown that the reliability estimates are equal for the three factor score estimators when they are based on a one-factor model or when there are orthogonal factors with only one non-zero factor loading of each observed variable (Theorem 1 and 2)
Summary
Factor score estimators are computed when individual scores on the factors are of interest. For example, decisions are made on the individual level (e.g., in personnel selection) an individual score is needed. It should, be noted that the ‘estimation’ of factor scores does not refer to the estimation of population parameters from a sample. The individual scores on the factors cannot be computed because the number of common and unique factors exceeds the number of observed variables (McDonald & Burr, 1967). In this sense, the factor scores are indeterminate. Several factor score predictors with different properties have been proposed (Thurstone, 1935; Bartlett, 1937; McDonald, 1981)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
