Reserving a Key Place for Reality: Philosophical Foundations of Theoretical Rotation

Abstract

Factor rotation has been a controversial topic in the history of factor
analysis, and preference has always been for a solution that is
determinate, such as the simple-structure solution approximated by
varimax. Stephenson's preference for judgmental rotation, available in Q
methodology software packages such as QMethod and PCQ, is little used,
due in part to lack of understanding of its philosophical bases in the
writings of Egon Brunswik (psychological cues), J. R. Kantor
(specificity), Charles S. Peirce (abductory logic), and Michael Polanyi
(tacit knowledge). The philosophical justifications for theoretical
rotation are summarized, and concrete examples are presented as
illustration designed to encourage acceptance and more widespread use.