The shape of the response surface associated with a discriminant analysis provides insight into the value of the derived optimal discriminant variates. A procedure for the determination of "indifference regions," presented in this article, allows the assessment of the degree of flatness of the response surface for any analysis.…

A Statistical Analysis System (SAS) macro procedure for performing a jackknife analysis on structure coefficients in discriminant analysis is described together with issues and caveats about its use in multivariate methods. An example of use of the SAS macro is provided. (SLD)

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)

Mathematical programing formulas are introduced as new approaches to solve the classification problem in discriminant analysis. The research literature is reviewed, and an illustration using a real-world classification problem is provided. Issues relevant to potential uses of these formulations are discussed. (TJH)

Confirmatory factor analysis was applied to test second- and higher-order factor models in the areas of structure of abilities, allometry, and the separation of specific and error variance estimates. The estimation of validity and reliability, second-order models within factor analysis models, and the concept of discriminability were also studied.…

When either regression models or subjectively-weighted models are used as aids in making placement decisions, the discriminant validity of these models is questioned. The validity of several regression models and of subjectively weighted models was investigated in two experiments. (Author/JKS)