The Gifi system of descriptive multivariate analysis

The Gifi system of analyzing categorical data through nonlinear varieties of classical multivariate analysis techniques is reviewed. The system is characterized by the optimal scaling of categorical variables which is implemented through alternating least squares algorithms. The main technique of homogeneity analysis is presented, along with its extensions and generalizations leading to nonmetric principal components analysis and canonical correlation analysis. Several examples are used to illustrate the methods. A brief account of stability issues and areas of applications of the techniques is also given.