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Multifactorial data on risk originally collected by Fischoff et al and analysed using the method of factor analysis are reanalysed in this paper using Atkin's Q -analysis algorithm and Johnson's method of Q -discrimination analysis. These algorithms are presented as distinctive methods for interpreting data by revealing their internal structure. Unlike more familiar methods of factor analysis that can be used for a broadly similar purpose, the data are not distorted in any way, for example via the calculation of correlation coefficients. The ‘results’ which are obtained by invoking Q -analysis are contrasted with those originally obtained from factor analysis, and some comment on the apparent differences is made.
S M Macgill (Thu,) studied this question.