USERS' NEEDS FOR A COMPETENT MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS: TOWARD A TOUGH AND BETTER HANDLING METHOD

Abstract

In the last decade, the field of multivariate analysis has shown remarkable development. However, some of the method could not satisfy users' needs for getting a tough and better handling tool. The purpose of this article is to make clear the contents of users' needs and communicate them to makers and developers for their information. 82 subjects(mostly social psychologists)were asked by questionnaire method what kinds of dissatisfaction they experienced in using multivariate analyses. The questionnaire considered the10methods: factor analysis, principal component analysis, canonical correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis, analysis of covariance, discriminant analysis, cluster analysis, theory of quantification, LISREL, and MDS. Users reported wanting methods which are:(1)less mathematically sophisticated than tough and stable, (2)able to analyze a formation and change of interacting processes, (3)not restricted by excessive mathematical assumptions, (4)supported by systems which easily select the best method out of a complex program package. The users also wanted to know(5)the limitations of each application rather than the usefulness of the method, and(6)criteria for selecting the most suitable method for the data.