| Abstract: | The application of discriminant analysis in ecological investigations is discussed. The appropriate statistical assumptions for discriminant analysis are illustrated, and both classification and group separation approaches are outlined. Three assumptions that are crucial in ecological studies are discussed at length, and the consequences of their violation are developed. These assumptions are: equality of dispersions, identifiability of prior probabilities, and precise and accurate estimation of means and dispersions. The use of discriminant functions for purposes of interpreting ecological relationships is also discussed. It is suggested that the common practice of imputing ecological ‘meaning‘ to the signs and magnitudes of coefficients be replaced by an assessment of ‘structure coefficients.‘ Finally, the potential and limitations of representation of data in canonical space are considered, and some cautionary points are made concerning ecological interpretation of patterns in canonical space. |
| Genre: | Article |
| ProdID: | 5221804 |
| Citation Author: | Williams, B.K. |
| Citation Contributing Office: | Patuxent Wildlife Research Center |
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| Citation End Page: | 1291 |
| Citation Issue: | 5 |
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| Citation Language: | English |
| Citation Larger Work Title: | Ecology |
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| Citation Number Of Pages: | 9 |
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| Citation Phsyical Description: | 1283-1291 |
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| Citation Search Results Text: | Some observations on the use of discriminant analysis in ecology; 1983; Article; Journal; Ecology; Williams, B.K. |
| Citation Start Page: | 1283 |
| Citation Volume: | 64 |
| Citation Year: | 1983 |
| Type: | citation/reference |
| Text: | Some observations on the use of discriminant analysis in ecology; 1983; Article; Journal; Ecology; Williams, B.K. |
| URL (THUMBNAIL): | http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/thumbnails/outside_thumb.jpg |
| URL (DOCUMENT): | http://www.jstor.org/stable/info/1937836 |
| Date Other: | Wed, 16 Jun 2010 12:19 -0500 |
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