Unit 9 Discriminant Analysis: Theory and

Logic
Objectives
To successfully complete this learning unit, you will be expected to:

1. Understand the basic purpose of purpose of discriminant analysis and when it is proper to
conduct this kind of analysis.

2. Recognize the similarities and differences between discriminant analysis, logistic

regression, and multiple regression.

3. Become familiar with basic equations of discriminant analysis.

4. Understand how classifications can be used with discriminant analysis.

5. Understand the output of an IBM SPSS analysis of discriminant analysis.

Learning Activities
u09s1 Studies

Reading

Complete the following:

In Applied Statistics, read Chapter 16, Discriminant Analysis. The appendix on the
Eigenvalue/Eigenvector Problem is optional.

Optional StatNotes

An in-depth discussion of discriminant function analysis can be found at StatNotes: Topics in

Multivariate Analysis by Garson. Many of the terms and concepts might be better understood by
reading this material.

u09d1 Multivariate Comparisons

Explain the similarities and differences between discriminant analysis and multiple regression.
Why would one use one of these methods over the other?
Response Guidelines

Respond to at least one other posting by evaluating the learners response. Do you agree or
disagree? Why? Do you consider this a good answer to the question? Why or why not?

Resources

Attributes and Evaluation of Discussion Contributions.

Professional Communications and Writing Guide.

Multivariate Statistics Discussion Scoring Guide.

u09d2 Classification in Discriminant Analysis

Discuss the concept of classification as regards to discriminant analysis. How do the results of
the classification table tell us if we have a good or poor model for our data?

Response Guidelines

Respond to at least one other posting by offering an example that illustrates the point(s) made in
the posting.

Resources

Attributes and Evaluation of Discussion Contributions.

Professional Communications and Writing Guide.

Multivariate Statistics Discussion Scoring Guide.