A Monte Carlo study involving 10,080 factor analyses examined the optimal value of k for promax factor rotations. The value of k was varied from 2 to 10 using three versions of promax. Error and bias of the sample factor pattern were found to be lower when k [.lessequal] 5 than when k > 5 but changed only slightly as k varied between 2 and 5. The best value of k was 2, 3, or 4, depending on the version of promax. It is concluded that in factor analytic studies using promax, the value of k may be appropriately set at 2, 3, or 4.
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