factor analysis

noun

, Statistics.

1. the use of one of several methods for reducing a set of variables to a lesser number of new variables, each of which is a function of one or more of the original variables.

factor analysis

noun

1. statistics any of several techniques for deriving from a number of given variables a smaller number of different, more useful, variables

Word History and Origins

Origin of factor analysis¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

The developer of a statistical method called factor analysis, Charles Spearman, concluded in 1904 that a general factor of intelligence, called a g factor, must underlie the concordance of measurements for varying human cognitive skills.

From Scientific American

As of now, I see at least four very plausible hypotheses — not grand generalizations like “decadent elites,” but specific factor analysis, advanced by smart people and supported by solid evidence.

From Washington Post

To start seeing the big picture, we employed a statistical technique called factor analysis to simplify all of the characteristics of the schizophrenia and autism spectrums into a more managable set of factors.

From Scientific American

We then performed a factor analysis on all the other items to which they had responded, and we identified eight distinct themes that characterized the frustrations of these employees.

From Forbes

One of the standard methods for assessing personality is to analyze people's answers to a 100-item questionnaire with a statistical technique called factor analysis.

From Science Magazine