Multivariate Statistics

There can be no question, my dear Watson, of the value of exercise before breakfast. Sherlock Holmes in “The Adventure of Black Peter” The statistical analysis of multivariate data requires a variety of techniques thatareentirelydi?erentfromtheanalysisofone-dimensionaldata.Thestudy of the joint distribution of many variables in high dimensions involves matrix techniques that are not part of standard curricula. The same is true for tra- formations and computer-intensive techniques, such as projection pursuit. The purpose of this book is to provide a set of exercises and solutions to help the student become familiar with the techniques necessary to analyze high-dimensional data. It is our belief that learning to apply multivariate statistics is like studying the elements of a criminological case. To become pro?cient, students must not simply follow a standardized procedure, they must compose with creativity the parts of the puzzle in order to see the big picture. We therefore refer to Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson citations as typical descriptors of the analysis. Puerile as such an exercise may seem, it sharpens the faculties of observation, and teaches one where to look and what to look for.