Many methods have been suggested for determining the number of factors in factor analysis solutions, most of them trying to match visual solutions. Presented here is a linear regression approach providing objectivity while producing the same results as the visual scree test. The standard error scree is based on the standard error of estimate for a set of points in the plot of eigenvalues. The number of factors to retain corresponds to the point where the standard error exceeds 1/m, where m is the numbers of variables in the analysis. Experience with the method to date indicates that the results are consistent with visual solutions.

In a Delphi study of research needs in educational technology, 89 recognized leaders in educational technology suggested 163 research needs. A small number of high-priority needs was identified using an adaptation of the Scree test, a method that is usually restricted to factor analysis. The results indicated that the Scree test was a useful analytic tool for survey results. Its use should be extended to other applications.

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