A method based on homogeneity analysis (multiple correspondence analysis or multiple scaling) is proposed to reduce many categorical variables to one variable with "k" categories. The method is a generalization of the sum of squared distances cluster analysis problem to the case of mixed measurement level variables. (SLD)

This paper discusses how a seldom-used statistical procedure, recursive regression (RR), can numerically and graphically illustrate data-driven nonlinear relationships and interaction of variables. This routine falls into the family of exploratory techniques, yet a few interesting features make it a valuable compliment to factor analysis and…

Multidimensional scaling has recently been enhanced so that data defined at only the nominal level of measurement can be analyzed. The efficacy of ALSCAL, an individual differences multidimensional scaling program which can analyze nominal, ordinal, interval and ratio data is presented. (Author/JKS)

Order analysis is discussed as a method for description of formal structures in multidimensional space. Its algorithm was derived using a combination of psychometric theory, formal logic theory, information theory, and graph theory concepts. The model provides for adjustment of its sensitivity to random variation. (Author/JKS)

Data generated by the pair-comparison method can be analyzed by least squares. A system of normal equations is derived by which the original objects are scaled. One advantage of this method is that it is not necessary to compare all object pairs. Examples are provided. (Author/JKS)

Research into statistical validations of constructs in physical education obtained by seriation and multidimensional scaling, revealed that (a) larger matrix sizes produced the most accurate results; (b) as data error introduction was increased, solution accuracy decreased; and (c) seriation produced slightly more accurate results than one- and…

Describes the use of multidimensional scaling (MDS), emphasizing applications in counseling and vocational psychology. Includes an example of one standard nonmetric scaling method. Addresses conceptual and practical considerations associated with the use of MDS. (Author/KS)

Critical examination is made of the recent controversy over the value of Monte Carlo techniques in nonmetric multidimensional scaling procedures. The case is presented that the major relevance of Monte Carlo studies is not for the local minima problem but for the meaningfulness of the obtained solutions. (Author)

A method for externally constraining certain distances in multidimensional scaling configurations is introduced and illustrated. The method is described in detail and several examples are presented. (Author/JKS)

It is shown that the Stone-Coles method is not a content method, but rather an alternative to the ordinary distance methods. As such, it is argued, it is of limited value. (Author)

Monte Carlo procedures are used to develop stress distributions using Kruskal's second stress formula. These distributions can be used in multidimensional scaling procedures to determine whether a set of data has other than random structure. (Author/JKS)

This study determined through psychophysical comparison of scaling data that speech naturalness judgments of stutterers and nonstutterers from audiovisual recordings form a metathetic (or qualitative) rather than prothetic (or quantitative) continuum. Both direct magnitude estimation and equal-appearing interval scaling were valid, but interval…

Multidimensional scaling (MDS) a highly reliable measurement technique, often requires an overwhelming task of the subject in the data collection procedure. This investigation was designed to determine the loss of precision in solution associated with five degrees of systematic reduction in the data collection task. Data were simulated via Monte…

Generalizations of the G index as a measure of similarity between persons beyond the dichotomous situation are discussed. An attempt is made to present a generalization that does not require dichotomization of the items for cases where the number of response alternatives may differ. (Author/JKS)

A model for the analysis of paired comparison data is presented which is metric, mathematically tractable, and has an exact algebraic solution. (Authors/MB)