Factor analysis allows the determination of common axes influencing sets of independent measured sets. It is "the granddaddy of multivariate techniques (Gould 1996, pp. 42-43) and was invented by Spearman.
Factor Analysis
See also
Multivariate AnalysisExplore with Wolfram|Alpha
References
Gould, S. J. "The Real Error of Cyril Burt: Factor Analysis and the Reification of Intelligence." Ch. 6 in The Mismeasure of Man, rev. exp. ed. New York: W. W. Norton, pp. 264-350, 1996.Referenced on Wolfram|Alpha
Factor AnalysisCite this as:
Weisstein, Eric W. "Factor Analysis." From MathWorld--A Wolfram Web Resource. https://mathworld.wolfram.com/FactorAnalysis.html