Univocal Varimax: an Orthogonal Factor Rotation Program for Optimal Simple Structure

Abstract
Univocal varimax is an orthogonal factor rotation strategy aimed at improving upon the simple structure qualities of a preliminary varimax solution. This is accomplished by targetting for patterned rotation the highest element in each row of the varimax factor loading matrix. This tends to yield a solution in which each variable in the final rotated matrix maximally loads on only one factor. Univocal varimax is particularly relevant to research problems in which each rotated factor should be marked by a relatively tight cluster of variables. A FORTRAN IV program is described for the efficient analysis of large input factor loading matrices.