Multidimensional scaling and the analysis of sexual offence behaviour: a reply to Sturidsson et al.

Alasdair Goodwill, LJ Alison, M Humann

Research output: Contribution to journalEditorial

9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Sturidsson et al. (Psychology Crime & Low, 12, 221-230 2006) published all article oil the replicability of early multidimensional scaling (MDS) behavioural research by Canter and Heritage (Journal of Forensic Psychiatry, 1, 185-212, 1990). Sturidsson et al. were unable to find a 'readily apparent, simple interpretation' of their ME)S solution and therefore suggested that the MDS approach may be flawed its a device for interpreting sexual assault. The current paper explains how the methods employed by Sturidsson et al. represent an incorrect use of MDS., specifically in their input of Jaccard similarity data into the MDS (ALSCAL) procedure in SPSS as opposed to the correct MDS (PROXSCAL) procedure. A comparative example is used to illustrate how adopting the ALSCAL procedure will result in an inverse MDS solution, where objects appearing closer together arc more dissimilar, making interpretation of the MDS plot meaningless in this context. The current paper discusses this methodological flaw in greater depth and in the context of behavioural investigative research using MDS in general. It concludes with some general guidelines in utilizing the MDS procedure in SPSS specific to criminal profiling research.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)517-524
Number of pages8
JournalPsychology, Crime and Law
Volume15
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2009

Keywords

  • PROXSCAL
  • offender profiling
  • multidimensional scaling
  • ALSCAL

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Multidimensional scaling and the analysis of sexual offence behaviour: a reply to Sturidsson et al.'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this