Correspondence Analysis and Data Coding with Java and R

This book introduces the theory, methods, and applications of correspondence analysis. With an emphasis on data coding, it clearly demonstrates why this technique remains important and in the eyes of many, unsurpassed as an analysis framework. Within this highly practical presentation, the author provides a theoretical overview and software in Java and R for correspondence analysis, clustering, and interpretation tools. A full chapter of case studies explores a range of applications to time-evolving data and in areas such as financial modeling, shape analysis, and the biosciences. The software and all of the data sets used in the book are available on a supporting web site.

Developed by Jean-Paul Benzérci more than 30 years ago, correspondence analysis as a framework for analyzing data quickly found widespread popularity in Europe. The topicality and importance of correspondence analysis continue, and with the tremendous computing power now available and new fields of application emerging, its significance is greater than ever.

Correspondence Analysis and Data Coding with Java and R clearly demonstrates why this technique remains important and in the eyes of many, unsurpassed as an analysis framework. After presenting some historical background, the author presents a theoretical overview of the mathematics and underlying algorithms of correspondence analysis and hierarchical clustering. The focus then shifts to data coding, with a survey of the widely varied possibilities correspondence analysis offers and introduction of the Java software for correspondence analysis, clustering, and interpretation tools. A chapter of case studies follows, wherein the author explores applications to areas such as shape analysis and time-evolving data. The final chapter reviews the wealth of studies on textual content as well as textual form, carried out by Benzécri and his research lab. These discussions show the importance of correspondence analysis to artificial intelligence as well as to stylometry and other fields.

This book not only shows why correspondence analysis is important, but with a clear presentation replete with advice and guidance, also shows how to put this technique into practice. Downloadable software and data sets allow quick, hands-on exploration of innovative correspondence analysis applications.