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Factor Analysis of Mixed Data (AFDM/FAMD)

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The FAMD agrees at the same time quantitative and qualitative variables. The screens, tabs, and interpretation rules are those of the ACP.

She adds: the modalities of active qualitative variables are placed on the graph alongside the arrows representing the quantitative variables. This makes it clear at a glance that a given modality aligns with a given measure.

Two points to note:

⇒ A modality with a very small sample size is, by definition, far from the center and therefore exerts a strong influence on the axis. Group rare modalities together before analysis.

⇒ The more categories a qualitative variable has, the greater its influence. A variable with eight categories will dominate the axes compared to binary variables.

💡 Special case: If you select only quantitative variables, the FAMD is the ACP, to the nearest whole number.