Perceptual maps and multidimensional scaling - Multidimensional scaling models - How to determine dimensionality

3 important questions on Perceptual maps and multidimensional scaling - Multidimensional scaling models - How to determine dimensionality

What is the goal of MDS?

To fit points into space with minimal dimensionality.

How do you determine the number of dimensions to use for when the measure of fit is a "badness of fit"? Why?

  • Plot the fit measure vs the number of dimensions, then take the number below (or to the right of) the break in the curve.
  • This is because at that point stress is reduced a lot to the point that taking additional dimensions does not help anymore.

How do you determine the number of dimensions to use for when the measure of fit is a "goodness of fit"? Why?

  • Plot the fit measure vs the number of dimensions, then take the number above (or to the left of) the break in the curve.
  • This is because 3 dimensions explains more variation than 1 or 2 dimensions, while the amount of variation explained by the 4th or 5th dimension is minuscule.

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