A comparison of linear and monotone multidimensional scaling models.

Multidimensional scaling solutions under the linear and monotone (metric and nonmetric) distance models were compared, in a simulation study, for several monotone and nonmonotone distortions. Data were generated from random configurations, over a wide range of conditions. Results indicate that, when its assumptions are met, the linear model performs best. When linearity assumptions are not met, the monotone model and the linear model applied to ranked data perform equally well. Recommendations based on these results are offered. (25 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)