Setting the value of k in promax: A Monte Carlo study

A Monte Carlo study involving 10,080 factor analyses examined the optimal v alue 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 patt ern were found to be lower when k less than or equal to 5 than when k > 5 b ut changed only slightly as k varied between 2 and 5. The best value of k w as 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 s et at 2, 3, or 4.