Modal Profile Analysis: a Computer Program for Classification Research

Abstract

A FORTRAN program is described for the identification and cross-validation of relatively homogeneous subgroups within a dimensional or ordination space. This classification approach is designed for use with several samples in a replication design. The program consists of three stages: (1) identification of preliminary types within each of m samples, (2) replication of these types across samples, and (3) generalizability of the typology with new samples. The computations are based on a sequential application of the singular value decomposition. An important feature of this program is that it allows one to differentiate the independent contribution of elevation, scatter, and shape parameters in defining profile similarity.