Multivariate Data and Multivariate Analysis

Abstract

Multivariate data arise when researchers measure several variables on each “unit“ in their sample. The majority of data sets collected by researchers in all disciplines are multivariate. Although in some cases it may make sense to isolate each variable and study it separately, in the main it does not. In most instances the variables are related in such a way that when analyzed in isolation they may often fail to reveal the full structure of the data. With the great majority of multivariate data sets, all the variables need to be examined simultaneously in order to uncover the patterns and key features in the data. Hence the need for the collection of multivariate analysis techniques with which this book is concerned.