A simple procedure for approximate factor analysis

A variation of the centroid method is described and illustrated. By the application of new rules for reflecting signs, it may be possible to reduce to insignificance the factor loadings of tests showing insignificant correlation (original or residual) with clusters of tests having relatively high intercorrelations. As a result, a factor common to any one of these clusters may be revealed by the centroid method itself with little or no need for rotation of axes or further calculations.