Which statement correctly contrasts orthogonal and oblique rotation in factor analysis?

Which statement correctly contrasts orthogonal and oblique rotation in factor analysis?

• A. Orthogonal rotation yields uncorrelated factors, while oblique rotation allows correlated factors.
• B. Both rotations always produce correlated factors.
• C. Only oblique rotation can be used in factor analysis.
• D. Rotation has no effect on factor correlation.

Answer: (B)

Rotation in factor analysis clarifies the structure by reorienting the factor axes while preserving the shared variance among variables. When the rotation is orthogonal, the axes stay at right angles, so the resulting factors are uncorrelated. With oblique rotation, the axes can lean toward each other, and the factors can be correlated. So the best contrast is that orthogonal rotation yields uncorrelated factors, while oblique rotation allows factors to be correlated. The other statements don’t fit: orthogonal rotation does not produce correlated factors; both rotation types can be used in practice; and rotation does affect the pattern of factor correlations. Using examples helps: Varimax is a common orthogonal rotation, Promax is a common oblique rotation.

Rotation in factor analysis clarifies the structure by reorienting the factor axes while preserving the shared variance among variables. When the rotation is orthogonal, the axes stay at right angles, so the resulting factors are uncorrelated. With oblique rotation, the axes can lean toward each other, and the factors can be correlated. So the best contrast is that orthogonal rotation yields uncorrelated factors, while oblique rotation allows factors to be correlated. The other statements don’t fit: orthogonal rotation does not produce correlated factors; both rotation types can be used in practice; and rotation does affect the pattern of factor correlations. Using examples helps: Varimax is a common orthogonal rotation, Promax is a common oblique rotation.