The utility of canonical correlation analysis, coupled with target rotation, in coping with the effects of differential skewness of variables

Abstract

The principal objective of the study was to determine the utility of canonical correlation analysis, coupled with target rotation, in coping with the effects of differential skewness of variables representing two batteries of tests. Generally speaking joint factor analyses of two or more batteries of tests result in factors of skewness rather than factors of content. To examine the problem, the General Scholastic Aptitude Test (GSAT) and Senior Ability Tests (SAT) were jointly applied to a sample of 1598 first-year university students, and subjected to both a principal factor analysis (PFA) and a canonical correlation analysis (CCA), coupled with target rotation. Three factors were obtained in both inst ances. The PFA yielded factors of skewness and the CCA factors of content. The target rotation gave a good fit with the theoretically specified values. The implications of the findings are discussed.