P-technique factor analysis and the construct validity of emotional state scales

Abstract

The objectives of this story were two-fold (a) to investigate the factor structure of the Central State Trait Kit (CST) (Barton 1978) and hence evaluate its construct validity and (b) to develop criteria which can be applied in cases where overall "simple structure" is not high, to allow the optimum identification of the psychological "meaning" of factors. Specifically, P-technique factor analysis was performed on 200 repeated measures over all state items. Results provided both evidence for the construct validity of the CST and demonstrated useful alternative criteria to "simple structure" in the understanding of the meaning of factors.