This utility allows the user to easily create a target {0, 1} factor pattern matrix for use with the Orthosim Orthogonal Procrustes program. This is for the case where an investigator wishes to rotate a matrix of simple-structure rotated or unrotated factor loadings to the best possible orthogonal position, relevant to an a priori model for the data. That is, instead of maximizing simple structure via the usual Varimax or other orthogonal routine, the goal is to ascertain the best possible approximation to a specified target model. Simple structure rotation will not do this except by chance alone; it is not designed to do so. Simple structure minimizes hyperplane counts (loadings between ±0.1) while maximizing the number of high loadings. That is not the same as rotating a matrix toward a target solution.

Because we are interested in targets which represent broad topological features of the data (that is, we want items to load highest on their assigned factor and much lower across all other factors (simple structure), or highest on two or three factors and low on the remainder {as there is no demand anymore that we have to meet simple structure criteria, it's the model that is of primary interest and not an arbitrary loading criterion}, we can use 0 and 1s to represent the loadings we want to be low, and those we want to be high.

Note: this program is useless except when used with Orthosim format .vf files.

The installation Target Matrix Generator.exe file is contained within a zipped archive - just unzip and/or run the file within the archive - and follow on-screen instructions and the Readme help displayed as you run the set up. The installation includes a step-by-step online HTML program help, as well as a printable pdf version of this file. I've also included the 8 physical variables .vf file (which is used in the helpfile) so you can run the program and make sure everything is OK. These files are all installed in the same directory as the program (initial installation default is to c:\Program Files\Target_Matrix_generator, but you can change this during the installation process if you wish).

The program can be downloaded here (~3.5Mb).