Generalized Procrustes Analysis: A tool for exploring aggregates and persons

Abstract

Gower (1975) introduced Generalized Procrustes Analysis (GPA) as a multivariate statistical technique for analyzing three-dimensional data matrices. The current paper presents a non-technical introduction to the logic underlying GPA and then presents a completely worked example using genuine data. Specifically, self and peer ratings obtained from students attending a Summer Science Academy are analyzed and discussed. It is shown that GPA offers a powerful set of tools for exploring data at both the aggregate and individual level. A number of issues regarding the current analysis methods are also discussed.