Configural frequency analysis (CFA) is a new method for identifying types. Types are defined as patterns (configurations) of binary variables occurring more frequently than may be expected under the assumption of complete independence of the respective variables, and are tested for significance by multiple binomial tests or suitable approximations. CFA is illustrated numerically by an example. Relations to latent class analysis and to factor analysis are discussed. It is suggested to use CFA as a type-defining method instead of factor analysis if the variables are linked to each other not only by first but also by higher-order associations.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Cassady, J. M., Miller, C. R., and Dingman, H. F.Latent class analysis: A direct approach. APA-Proceedings , 1968, 76, 209-210. New York: APA-Press.
2.
Cattell, R. B., Coulter, M. A., and Tsujioka, B.The taxonometric recognition of types and functional emergents. In R. B. Cattell (Ed.) Handbook of multivariate experimental psychology. Chicago: Rand McNally, 1968, Ch. 9.
3.
English, H. B. and English, A. C.A comprehensive dictionary of psychological and psychoanalytical terms. New York: Longmans, Green and Co., 1957.
4.
Gloning, K., Lienert, G. A., and Quatember, R.Konfigurationsfrequenzanalyse aphasie-spezifischer Testleistungen. Zeitschrift für klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie, 1972, 17, 115-122.
5.
Goodman, L. A.Simple methods for analyzing three-factor interaction in contingency tables. Journal of the American Statistical Association, 1964, 59, 319-352.
6.
Kendall, M. G. and Stuart, A.The advanced theory of statistics I. London: Griffin, 1969, 3rd Ed.
7.
Krauth, J. and Lienert, G. A.Nichtparametrischer Nachweis von Syndromen durch simultane Binomialtests. Biometrische Zeitschrift, 1973, 15, 13-20.
8.
Krauth, J. and Lienert, G. A.Konfigurationsfrequenzanalyse, Freiburg/Brsg. , Verlag Karl Alber, 1973.
9.
Lazarsfeld, P. F. and Henry, N. W.Latent structure analysis. Boston : Houghton-Mifflin, 1968.
Lienert, G. A.Die 'Konfigurationsfrequenzanalyse' als Klassifikationsmittel in der klinischen Psychologie. In Irle, M. (Hrsg.) Bericht über den 26. Kongress der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Psychologie, 1968. Göttingen : Hogrefe, 1969, 244-253.
