Slowly converging parafac sequences: Swamps and two‐factor degeneracies

Abstract

Abstract The alternating least squares PARAFAC algorithm is a useful tool for resolving trilinear three‐way data arrays. Occasionally, however, it becomes bogged down for many iterations in the vicinity of a poor quality resolution before moving on to a much superior optimum fit. We investigate this behavior in a simulation study and suggest ways of overcoming the obstacles it presents.