For the ALSCAL multidimensional scaling computer program, it is reported that (1) a new coordinate estimation routine is superior to the original; (2) an oversight in the interval measurement level case has been found and corrected; and (3) a new initial configuration routine is also superior to the original. (Author/JKS)

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)

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)

Several nonmetric multidimensional scaling random ranking studies are discussed in response to the preceding article (TM 503 490). The choice of a starting configuration is discussed and the use of principal component analysis in obtaining such a configuration is recommended over a randomly chosen one. (JKS)

A review of existing techniques for the analysis of three-way data revealed that none were appropriate to the wide variety of data usually encountered in psychological research, and few were capable of both isolating common information and systematically describing individual differences. Such a model is developed and evaluated. (Author/JKS)

A model permitting construction of algorithms for the polynomial conjoint analysis of similarities is presented. This model, which is based on concepts used in nonmetric scaling, permits one to obtain the best approximate solution. The concepts used to construct nonmetric scaling algorithms are reviewed. Finally, examples of algorithmic models for…

A metric multidimensional scaling (MDS) procedure based on computer-subject interaction is developed, and an experiment designed to validate the procedure is presented. (Author)