Skip to main content
Log in

Constrained latent class analysis: Simultaneous classification and scaling of discrete choice data

  • Published:
Psychometrika Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A reparameterization of a latent class model is presented to simultaneously classify and scale nominal and ordered categorical choice data. Latent class-specific probabilities are constrained to be equal to the preference probabilities from a probabilistic ideal-point or vector model that yields a graphical, multidimensional representation of the classification results. In addition, background variables can be incorporated as an aid to interpreting the latent class-specific response probabilities. The analyses of synthetic and real data sets illustrate the proposed method.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aitkin, M., Anderson, D., & Hinde, J. (1981). Statistical modeling of data on teaching styles.Journal of the Royal Statistical Society, Series A, 144, 419–461.

    Google Scholar 

  • Anderson, J. A. (1984). regression and ordered categorical variables.Journal of the Royal Statistical Society, Series B, 46, 1–30.

    Google Scholar 

  • Akaike, H. (1974). A new look at statistical model identification.IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control, Ac-19, 716–723.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bartholomew, D. J. (1987).Latent variable models and factor analysis. New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bock, R. D., & Aitkin, M. (1981). Marginal maximum likelihood estimation of item parameters: Application of an EM algorithm.Psychometrika, 46, 443–459.

    Google Scholar 

  • Böckenholt, I., & Gaul, W. (1986). Analysis of choice behavior via probabilistic ideal point and vector models.Applied Stochastic Models and Data Analysis, 2, 202–226.

    Google Scholar 

  • Böckenholt, U. (1990). Multivariate Thurstonian models.Psychometrika, 55, 391–404.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carroll, J. D. (1980). Models and methods for multidimensional analysis of preferential choice data. In Lanterman, E. D. & Feger, H. (Eds.),Similarity and choice (pp. 234–289). Bern: Huber.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clogg, C. C., & Goodman, L. A. (1984). Latent structure analysis of a set of multidimensional contingency tables.Journal of the American Statistical Association, 77, 803–815.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coombs, C. H. (1964).A theory of data. New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dayton, C. M., & Macready, G. B. (1988). A latent class covariate model with applications to criterion-referenced testing. In R. Langeheine & J. Rost (Eds.),Latent trait and latent class models (pp. 129–146). New York: Plenum.

    Google Scholar 

  • DeSarbo, W. S., & Cho, J. (1989). A stochastic multidimensional scaling vector threshold model for the spatial representation of “pick any/n” data.Psychometrika, 54, 105–130.

    Google Scholar 

  • DeSarbo, W. S., & Hoffman, D. L. (1986). A new unfolding threshold model for the spatial representation of binary choice data.Applied Psychological Measurement, 10, 247–264.

    Google Scholar 

  • DeSarbo, W. S., Howard, D. J., & Jedidi, K. (1991). MULTICLUS: A new methodology for simultaneously performing multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis.Psychometrika, 56, 121–136.

    Google Scholar 

  • DeSarbo, W. S., Jedidi, K., Cool, K., Schendel, D. (1989).Strategic groups, conduct and goal asymmetry: The STATGROUP methodology. Unpublished manuscript, University of Michigan.

  • DeSoete, G., & Carroll, J. D. (1983). A maximum likelihood method for fitting the wandering vector model.Psychometrika, 48, 553–566.

    Google Scholar 

  • DeSoete, G., Carroll, J. D., & DeSarbo, W. S. (1986). The wandering ideal-point model: A probabilistic multidimensional unfolding model for paired comparison data.Journal of Mathematical Psychology, 30, 28–41.

    Google Scholar 

  • Formann, A. K. (1984).Die Latent-Class-Analyse: Einführung in Theorie und Anwendung [Latent class analysis: An introduction to theory and applications]. Weinheim: Beltz Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Formann, A. K. (1985). Constrained latent class models: Theory and applications.British Journal of Mathematical and Statistical Psychology, 38, 87–111.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goodman, L. A. (1978).Analyzing qualitative/categorical data: Log-linear models and latent-structure analysis. Cambridge: Abt Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goodman, L. A. (1979). On the estimation of parameters in latent structure analysis.Psychometrika, 44, 123–128.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holbrook, M. B., Moore, W. L., & Winer, R. S. (1982). Constructing joint spaces from pick-any data: A new tool for consumer analysis.Journal of Consumer Research, 9, 99–105.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoijtink, H. (1990). A latent trait model for dichotomous choice data.Psychometrika, 55, 641–656.

    Google Scholar 

  • Langeheine, R., & Rost, J. (1988).Latent trait and latent class models. New York: Plenum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lazarsfeld, P. F. (1950). Logical and mathematical foundations of latent structure analysis. In S. A. Stouffer et al. (Eds.),Studies in social psychology in World War II, Vol. IV (pp. 362–412). Princeton: Princeton University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • McCullagh, P. (1980). Regression models for ordinal data.Journal of the Royal Statistical Society, Series B, 42, 109–142.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mislevy, R. J., & Verhelst, N. (1990). Modeling item responses when different subjects employ different solution strategies.Psychometrika, 55, 195–216.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rindskopf, D. (1983). A general framework for using latent class analysis to test hierarchical and nonhierarchical learning models.Psychometrika, 48, 85–97.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rost, J. (1985). A latent class model for rating data.Psychometrika, 50, 37–49.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rost, J. (1988a). Rating scale analysis with latent class models.Psychometrika, 53, 327–348.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rost, J. (1988b).Quantitative and qualitative probabilistische Testtheorie [Quantitative and qualitative probabilistic test theory]. Bern: Huber.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schönemann, P. H., & Tucker, L. R. (1967). A maximum likelihood solution for the method of successive intervals allowing for unequal stimulus dispersions.Psychometrika, 32, 403–417.

    Google Scholar 

  • Takane, Y. (1981). Multidimensional successive categories scaling: A maximum likelihood method.Psychometrika, 46, 9–28.

    Google Scholar 

  • Takane, Y. (1983).Choice model analysis of the “pick any/n” type of binary data. Handout at the European Psychometric and Classification Meetings, Jouy-en-Josas, France.

  • Takane, Y., & deLeeuw, J. (1987). On the relationship between item response theory and factor analysis of discretized variables.Psychometrika, 52, 393–408.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tucker, L. R. (1960). Intra-individual and inter-individual multidimensionality. In H. Gulliksen & S. Messick (Eds.),Psychological scaling: Theory and applications. (pp. 155–167). New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Additional information

The authors thank Yosiho Takane, the editor and referees for their valuable suggestions. Authors are listed in reverse alphabetical order.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Böckenholt, U., Böckenholt, I. Constrained latent class analysis: Simultaneous classification and scaling of discrete choice data. Psychometrika 56, 699–716 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02294500

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02294500

Key words

Navigation