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Forced classification: A simple application of a quantification method

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Abstract

This study formulates a property of a quantification method, the principle of equivalent partitioning (PEP). When the PEP is used together with Guttman's principle of internal consistency (PIC) in a simple way, the combination offers an interesting way of analyzing categorical data in terms of the variate(s) chosen by the investigator, a type of canonical analysis. The study discusses applications of the technique to multiple-choice, rank-order, and paired comparison data.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. the University of Toronto, Canada

    Shizuhiko Nishisato

  2. Department of Measurement, Evaluation and Computer Applications, the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, 252 Bloor Street West, M5S 1V6, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Shizuhiko Nishisato

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  1. Shizuhiko Nishisato
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Additional information

This study was supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (Grant No. A7942). Comments on the earlier drafts from anonymous reviewers and the editor were much appreciated.

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Nishisato, S. Forced classification: A simple application of a quantification method. Psychometrika 49, 25–36 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02294203

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