A plot used in factor analysis showing eigenvalues in descending order, resembling a rocky slope. Researchers look for the 'elbow' where the slope levels off to determine how many factors to retain.
From Old Norse 'skriða' meaning 'landslide' or 'loose rock debris on a slope.' In geology, scree refers to broken rock fragments that accumulate at the base of cliffs. Psychologist Raymond Cattell borrowed this term in the 1960s because eigenvalue plots resembled rocky mountain slopes.
The scree plot literally looks like a mountain slope covered in loose rocks - eigenvalues tumble down from high peaks to flat ground! Just like hikers look for where loose rocks stop rolling, researchers look for where eigenvalues stop 'tumbling' dramatically to find the natural breaking point for factor retention.
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