Max Rady College of Medicine
Term: Principal Components Analysis
Glossary Definition
Last Updated: 2009-08-27
Definition:
A method of factor analysis in which the total variance in a data set of many variables is analysed. That is, every variable contributes all of its variance (the sum of each score's squared difference from the mean) in an attempt to identify an underlying factor, or latent variable, that is responsible for the values on the observed variables. This can be contrasted with Principal Factor Analysis, in which only a subset of the total variance in a data set of many variables is analysed.
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References
- Metge C, Chateau D, Prior H, Soodeen R, De Coster C, Barre L. Composite Measures/Indices of Health and Health System Performance. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2009. [Report] [Summary] (View)
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Manitoba Centre for Health Policy
Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine,
Rady Faculty of Health Sciences,
Room 408-727 McDermot Ave.
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5 Canada