Review of: Factor Analysis: An Introduction and Manual for the Psychologist and Social Scientist

Reviews "Factor Analysis: An Introduction and Manual for the Psychologist and Social Scientist," by R. B. Cattell . The author wrote this book to meet three requirements: to meet the needs of the general student in science in terms of gaining knowledge about what factor analysis is about; to write a textbook for statistics courses which specifically address factor analysis; and to supply a handbook for the research worker, student, and others that will be a practical guide. Cattell has met these requirements which he has set for himself. The multiplicity of diagrams, charts and examples plus the questions and exercises at the end of each chapter make the book teachable at the advanced undergraduate level and above. In addition, the work has two unique features in terms of content: fundamental importance is attached to appropriate experimental designs and Cattell presents an exposition, with illustrative data, of his much discussed P and O analyses. Anyone interested in factor analysis should add this work to his professional library. Instructors of factor analysis whose students have sparse mathematical background will welcome this text. Cattell has made another major contribution to the psychological literature.