Which term is defined as a single score from an individual representing their performance on a latent variable?

Which term is defined as a single score from an individual representing their performance on a latent variable?

• A. Factor loading
• B. Factor transformation matrix, ∧
• C. Factor score
• D. Fisher's exact test

Answer: (C)

A factor score is a single numeric value that represents an individual's performance on a latent variable. In factor analysis, the latent variable is not directly observed, so we estimate a score for each person that indicates where they stand on that underlying construct. This score is typically derived from the observed variables that load onto the factor, using weights based on the factor loadings (or through a regression-based method). The factor loading describes how strongly each observed variable relates to the latent factor, not the individual’s overall score. The factor transformation matrix is the mathematical tool used to convert observed data into factor scores in some methods, but it is not itself the single score. Fisher's exact test is a separate statistical test for contingency tables and has no direct role in measuring latent variables.

A factor score is a single numeric value that represents an individual's performance on a latent variable. In factor analysis, the latent variable is not directly observed, so we estimate a score for each person that indicates where they stand on that underlying construct. This score is typically derived from the observed variables that load onto the factor, using weights based on the factor loadings (or through a regression-based method). The factor loading describes how strongly each observed variable relates to the latent factor, not the individual’s overall score. The factor transformation matrix is the mathematical tool used to convert observed data into factor scores in some methods, but it is not itself the single score. Fisher's exact test is a separate statistical test for contingency tables and has no direct role in measuring latent variables.