Proposes a class of multivariate Tobit models with a factor structure on the covariance matrix. Such models are useful in the exploratory analysis of multivariate censored data and the identification of latent variables from behavioral data. The factor structure provides a parsimonious representation of the censored data. Models are estimated with…

Examined the relative performance of two commonly used methods of parameter estimation in factor analysis, maximum likelihood (ML) and ordinary least squares (OLS) through simulation. In situations with a moderate amount of error, ML often failed to recover the weak factor while OLS succeeded. Also presented an example using empirical data. (SLD)