Applied Linguistics Statistics

Factor Rotation

Unlocking clarity in your data by adjusting the lens through which we view variables.

Why Rotate Factors?

After extracting factors, the initial solution is often hard to interpret. Variables may load moderately on several factors, creating confusing overlaps.

Rotation helps simplify this structure by adjusting the factor axes to produce a clearer picture—like adjusting a blurry lens to bring things into focus.

Interactive Demo

Status: Unrotated (Confusing)
Before
Item 1 → F1(0.42), F2(0.37)
After
Item 1 → F1(0.70), F2(0.10)

Types of Rotation

Varimax

Orthogonal

Rotates factors to stay at 90° angles (uncorrelated). Simplifies interpretation by maximizing variance.

When to use

When assuming factors are independent.

Popular

Oblimin

Oblique

Allows factors to correlate. Reflects real-world psychological/social data much better.

When to use

When factors may be related.

Promax

Oblique

A faster version of oblimin. Often used with very large datasets.

When to use

For Big Data or speed.

In SPSS

1

Navigate

Analyze → Dimension Reduction → Factor

2

The Tab

Click the "Rotation" button in the dialog box.

3

Selection

Select Varimax (independent) or Oblimin (related).

Settings

Tick "Loading plot(s)" and in Options select "Sorted by size".

📌 Interpretation Checklist

High Loadings

Look for values >.40 or >.50 on one factor only.

Avoid Cross-loading

Items shouldn't load strongly on two factors simultaneously.

Prune Items

Eliminate or revise items with unclear loading patterns.