Correspondence Analysis: Theory, Practice and New Strategies

Preface

The correspondence analysis family tree is ever growing. From its roots that lie in Europe (or the United Kingdom, depending on which perspective one takes), it has matured more rapidly over the past two decades than at any time since its development. This is largely due to the continual application of correspondence analysis in all fields of research influenced largely by the advances in computer programming facilities. The widespread use of the Internet has also helped to promote both the use of all types of exploratory data analysis, including correspondence analysis, and its world-wide exposure to data analysts. So it is appropriate to step back and take stock of the original contributions to correspondence analysis, and their importance on this development, and reflect on what impact correspondence analysis has had on the statistical and allied disciplines. It should be no surprise that core developments made in the early days of correspondence analysis still resonate with us today, and many of the key researchers still play a major role in its development. With such strong foundations, a new generation of correspondence analysts (or CA'ists) is now emerging. As a result, new ideas and perspectives are emerging. These come from not just the correspondence analysis strongholds of Europe and Japan but are now far more international –however, unfortunately, its technical evolution still remains relatively slow in some parts of the world (including Australia and New ...