descriptive discriminant analysis

a statistical procedure that distinguishes between two or more groups of a categorical outcome on the basis of several initial explanatory or predictor variables. The focus is on a set of standardized weights linking each initial variable to the grouping variable; high weights (in absolute value) indicate variables that tend to differ across the groups. For example, a researcher may want to study what differentiates those who survive cancer from those who do not by using a set of background variables, such as age, weight, frequency of saturated fat in the diet, and family history of cancer. The descriptive discriminant analysis may reveal negative standardized weights in the moderate to high range, suggesting that within the sample examined more family history of cancer, older age, higher weight, and more saturated fat in the diet are significantly linked with a lower chance of surviving cancer. Compare predictive discriminant analysis.

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Psychology term of the day

December 22nd 2024

absorption

1. an extreme involvement or preoccupation with one object, idea, or pursuit, with inattention to other aspects of the environment. Compare sustained attention. See also Tellegen Absorption Scale.

2. the uptake of fluid and dissolved substances into a cell across the plasma membrane. For example, an administered drug moves through various biological membranes from its site of administration to its target organ. Absorption into the target organ is dependent on a number of factors, including the method of administration (e.g., oral, intravenous); the properties of the drug (e.g., molecular size, ability to cross lipid membranes); the amount of drug administered; and the characteristics or state of the individual (e.g., body mass, sex, age, presence of disease, presence of other drugs).

3. in physics, the conversion of energy from one form to another on entering a medium.