Factorial Ecologies: Oblique and Orthogonal Solutions. A Case Study of the New York SMSA

Abstract

The utilization of factor analytic methods in the investigation of the spatial structure of urban areas has raised several methodological concerns. Two of these issues are examined in this study: the validity of the orthogonal model, and the possibility of bias through boundary drawing. This paper thus focuses on the effect of the choice of rotational technique upon the derived factor structures at three levels of metropolitan delineation—metropolitan area, city, and inner city sub-area. The rotational techniques are examined specifically in regard to dimensional interpretation and dimensional interrelationships at the three scales of observation. The findings have important methodological implication for the investigation of microregion structural variations.