The Use and Misuse of Factor Scores in Multiple Regression Analysis

Kukuk and Baty (1979) have been critical of the use of factor scores as predictors in multiple regression analysis. The present paper, while in disagreement with certain of Kukuk and Baty's conclusions, also finds the perfunctory use of factor scores in conjunction with regression analysis to be inappropriate for many, or even most, purposes. It is suggested that factoring methods are most suitable for independent variable sets when some consideration has been given to the nature of the domain which is implied by the predictors.