Abstract: Meta-analysis of factor analysis (MAFA), also called meta-analytic factor analysis, integrated two methodological traditions namely meta analysis and factor analysis. Research on MAFA could explore some methodolical issues and accelerate the production process of psychological knowledge which will end the theoretical-principle-absence status of the meta analytic factor analysis had existed for several decades. To represent the process of MAFA, the present project put forth a three-stage integrative model under which some scientific questions will be tested using psychometrical methods including Monte Carlo simulation study. The validity of the three-stage integrative model and that of its data-synthesis methods (i.e. the co-occurrence matrix of salient factor loadings, the aggregate correlation matrix, and the pairwise rotation of results to congruence) were the key problems in this project. The project also planned to explore the general rules theoretically and steps of how to conducut MAFA study whose results would help the research community to use MAFA correctly. The possible scientific contribution of the present project is that it will add to the store of meta-analytic and factor analytic traditions, enrich the content of psychological methodology, and establish a solid base to popularize the MAFA.

Key words: meta-analysis of factor analysis, three-stage integrative model, meta analysis, factor analysis, Monte Carlo simulation