Alternating least squares and optimal scaling are presented as two approaches to the quantitative analysis of qualitative data. A variety of statistical approaches to this problem are discussed. Three examples are presented. (JKS)

Suggests a way of using factor analytic techniques to supplement multidimensional scaling in such a way as to provide a firm basis for evaluating multidimensional representations. (Author/RC)

Two lines of psychometric interest are combined: a) multidimensional scaling and, b) factor analysis. This is achieved by employing three-mode factor analysis of scalar product matrices, one for each subject. Two of the modes are the group of objects scaled and the third is the sample of subjects. Resulting from this are, an object space, a person…

When Torgerson's multidimensional scaling model is used in conjunction with the method of tetrads, derived coordinates are based on data which is assumed to be distributed normally. The object of this study was to determine the amount of error contained in derived coordinates when the normality assumption is violated. Torgerson coordinates were…

An examination is made concerning the utility and design of studies comparing nonmetric multidimensional scaling algorithms and their initial configurations, as well as the agreement between the results of such studies. Various practical details of nonmetric scaling are also considered. (Author/JKS)

A new method to estimate the parameters of Tucker's three mode principal component model is discussed, and the convergence properties of the alternating least squares algorithm to solve the estimation problem are considered. An example is presented. (Author/JKS)

Three different methods of data collection were examined in which subjects judged proximity between object pairs. Significant differences in accuracy were found among the three methods, presumably due to differences in the extent to which subjects are able to describe their perceptions under the various methods. (Author/RC)

A method for multidimensional scaling that is highly resistant to the effects of outliers is described. Some Monte Carlo simulations illustrate the efficacy of the procedure, which performs well with or without outliers. (SLD)

Ideal point discriminant analysis (IPDA) is proposed for the analysis of contingency tables of cross-classified data. Several data sets illustrate IPDA, which combines log-linear and dual scaling models to provide a spatial representation of row and column categories and allow statistical evaluation of various structural hypotheses about…

The perceived similarity of Holland's vocational personality stereotypes was examined using the techniques of nonmetric multidimensional scaling. Three job titles (JTs) were selected for each of Holland's stereotypes. These 18 JTs were then randomly paired. The resulting 153 pairs comprised an inventory which was administered to all students in a…

This report describes a test of the robustness of factor-analytic methods in the face of various types of scale transformations on the data. Because of the complexities that would be involved in an exact analytical investigation, the tests were done with simulated sets of data having different factor structures. After factor analyzing the original…

The Cartesian theory of dimensionality (defined in terms of geometric distances between points in the test space) and Leibnitzian theory (defined in terms of order-generative connected, transitive, and asymmetric relations) are contrasted in terms of the difference between a factor analysis and an order analysis of the same data. (Author/CTM)

Two sets of five items each from the Law School Admission Test were analyzed by two methods of factor analysis, and by the Krus-Bart ordering theoretic method of multidimensional scaling. The results indicated a conceptual gap between latent trait theoretic procedures and order theoretic procedures. (Author/CTM)

Describes the loglinear model, and applies it to categorical data cross-tabulated on four dimensions. Defines contrasts similar to those of the analysis of variance and describes post hoc and planned comparison strategies. Illustrates hypothesis testing and model building for categorical data, providing guidelines for performing an analysis on…