This paper discusses how a seldom-used statistical procedure, recursive regression (RR), can numerically and graphically illustrate data-driven nonlinear relationships and interaction of variables. This routine falls into the family of exploratory techniques, yet a few interesting features make it a valuable compliment to factor analysis and…

The contribution of individual variables to overall multivariate significance in a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) is investigated using a combination of canonical discriminant analysis and Roy-Bose simultaneous confidence intervals. Difficulties with this procedure are discussed, and its advantages are illustrated using examples based…

A method for comparing the cross validated classification accuracies of linear and quadratic classification rules is presented under varying data conditions for the k-group classification problem. With this method, separate-group as well as total-group proportions of correct classifications can be compared for the two rules. McNemar's test for…

Some interpretations of relative variable importance in the contexts of multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and discriminant analysis (DA) are presented. Some indices potentially useful for the interpretations are presented, and the assessment of variable importance is illustrated using real data sets. Both descriptive discriminant analysis…

The use of multivariate statistics in the social and behavioral sciences is becoming more and more widespread. One multivariate technique that is commonly used is discriminant function analysis. This paper compares and contrasts the two purposes of discriminant analysis, prediction and description. Using a heuristic data set, a conceptual…

Propensity score analysis is one statistical technique that can be applied to observational data to mimic randomization and thus can be used to estimate causal effects in studies in which the researchers have not applied randomization. In this article the authors (a) describe propensity score methodology and (b) demonstrate its application using…

There are advantages to using a priori or planned comparisons rather than omnibus multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) tests followed by post hoc or a posteriori testing. A small heuristic data set is used to illustrate these advantages. An omnibus MANOVA test was performed on the data followed by a post hoc test (discriminant analysis). A…

An alternative approach for program evaluation of small, specialized programs when comparison groups are not available is described. This application is illustrated by presenting the results of an analysis of data from Project Talent, a national manpower study, and discussing its application to the evaluation of a medical training program.…

A technique for classifying hospitals on a multidimensional basis was developed. Three major sets of attributes were examined: patient case mix, facility mix, and personnel mix. Using multivariate techniques (factor analysis, cluster analysis, and discriminant analysis), 83 variables were examined for 547 hospitals. A total of six factors were…

It is assumed that students with EBD who have more severe deficits in academic, behavior, and/or social domains are placed in more restrictive settings. However, this assumption has not been empirically tested. This study compared students educated in self-contained classrooms to students educated in a self-contained school to determine if the…

Discriminant analysis is applied to data from previous research dealing with assessing the particularities of cognitive development in young (four to nine years old) Montagnais Indians and French Canadians. The most important future contribution of discriminant analysis to intercultural research will be its ability to conceptualize group…

To determine whether individual differences in student achievement and learning rate are reduced or eliminated by mastery instruction, 166 navy trainees who completed a computer-managed course in basic electricity and electronics were cluster analyzed using 24 measures of cognitive characteristics. Discriminant analyses were computed between two…

Classification studies are important for practitioners who need to identify individuals for specialized treatment or intervention. When interventions are irreversible or misclassifications are costly, information about the proficiency of different classification procedures becomes invaluable. This study furnishes information about the relative…

This book in intended to train students in reading a research report critically. It uses actual research articles as examples including both good and flawed studies in each category and provides interpretation and evaluation of the appropriateness of the statistical analyses in each study. Individual chapters usually include two sample studies and…