The widespread use of factor analysis in social research requires a detailed review of
epistemological and methodological aspects of its use. This is the only way to overcome
“usual manner” of understanding factor analysis as a statistical method. In methodological
terms, it is necessary to provide not only theoretical definition of the basic concepts and
theoretical assumptions related to use of factor analysis, but also adequate operational
definition. The importance of these theoretical prerequisites is being shown through two …

The widespread use of factor analysis in social research requires a detailed review of
epistemological and methodological aspects of its use. This is the only way to overcome"
usual manner" of understanding factor analysis as a statistical method. In methodological
terms, it is necessary to provide not only theoretical definition of the basic concepts and
theoretical assumptions related to use of factor analysis, but also adequate operational
definition. The importance of these theoretical prerequisites is being shown through two …