A matrix formulation of Kaiser's varimax criterion

Kaiser has given the varimax criterion for the solution of the rotation problem in factor analysis as well as a practical computational procedure for maximizing this criterion. In the present paper, the maximization condition is shown as a matrix equation involving only the unknown orthogonal rotation matrix. This matrix equation can be solved iteratively as a sequence of symmetric eigenproblems.This investigation was supported by Public Health Service grant number MH 07285-03 from the National Institute of Mental Health.