Methods for ordering and selecting variables for discriminant analysis in multiple group comparison or group prediction studies include: univariate Fs, stepwise analysis, learning discriminant function (LDF) variable correlations, communalities, LDF standardized coefficients, and weighted standardized coefficients. Five indices based on distance,…

Proposes the use of the group overlap concept as a basis for determining effect size. Group overlap may be assessed via prediction of group assignment, using predictive discriminant analysis. The effect-size index proposed is that of improvement-over-chance "(I)" classification. Makes some suggestions for cutoffs of "I" values…

Classification is a procedure through which individuals are classified as being members of a particular group based on a variety of independent variables. Two methods of makin such classifications are discussed; the quadratic method is seen to be superior to the linear under certain constraints. (JKS)

Using computer simulation data, the effect of a single global outlier in two-group classification analysis was explored in terms of the outcome variables of change in classification results (PCHNG), change in misclassification rate (MISDIF), and change in precision of misclassification rate estimation. The precision of misclassification rate…

What a multivariate contrast analysis should entail and how such an analysis should be conducted are discussed. The three questions encompassing a contrast analysis are: (1) whether the contrast effects are generalizable; (2) which variables contribute most to the contrast effects; and (3) what is the construct underlying the contrast effects.…