It is known that the Maxbet algorithm, which is an alternative to the method of generalized canonical correlation analysis and Procrustes analysis, may converge to local maxima. Discusses an eigenvalue criterion that is sufficient, but not necessary, for global optimality of the successive Maxbet algorithm. (SLD)

The residual variance is often used as an approximation to the uniqueness in factor analysis. An upper bound approximation to the residual variance is presented for the case when the correlation matrix is singular. (Author/JKS)

Efron's Monte Carlo bootstrap algorithm is shown to cause degeneracies in Pearson's r for sufficiently small samples. Two ways of preventing this problem when programing the bootstrap of r are considered. (Author)

The polyserial and point polyserial correlations are discussed as generalizations of the biserial and point biserial correlations. The relationship between the polyserial and point polyserial correlation is derived. Some practical applications of the polyserial correlation are described. (Author/JKS)

Bond criticized the base-free measure of change proposed by Tucker, Damarin, and Messick by pointing to an incorrect derivation which is here viewed instead as a correct derivation entailing an inadequately specified assumption. Bond's revision leads to negatively biased estimates, whereas the original approach leads to unbiased estimates.…

Monte Carlo procedures were used to investigate the properties of a nonmetric multidimensional scaling algorithm when used to scale an incomplete matrix of dissimilarities. Recommendations for users wishing to scale incomplete matrices are made. (Author/RC)

Relations between maximum likelihood factor analysis and factor indeterminacy are discussed. (CK)

An algorithm, based on a solution for C. I. Mosier's oblique Procrustes rotation problem, is presented for the best least-squares fitting correlation matrix approximating a given missing value or improper correlation matrix. Results are of interest for missing value and tetrachoric correlation, indefinite matrix correlation, and constrained…

The suggestion that the IDIOSCAL model be fitted by the TUCKALS2 algorithm for three-way components analysis is examined. The claim that resulting coordinate matrices will be identical is supported when the data matrices are semidefinite. Counterexamples for indefinite matrices are also constructed. (SLD)

Proposes a quadratic programming, least squares solution to Carroll's weighted unfolding model with nonnegativity constraints imposed on weights. It can be used to test various hypotheses about the weighted unfolding model with or without constraints. (RC)