engleski

Classical multivariate statistical methods in the assessment changes in biological, cultural and bio-cultural diversity

The index of biocultural diversity (IBCD) serves as a benchmark for changes in biocultural diversity, using small number of indicators. Number of languages, religions and ethnic groups are consisted in formula for the cultural diversity, while bird and mammal species are representing biodiversity. In this article, author is proposing two classical multivariate statistical methods which use similar input as IBCD in tracking changes in bio-cultural diversity. First, canonical correlation analysis can be performed separately in the 'space' of biodiversity variables, as well as at cultural diversity sets of variables: higher value of canonical correlation will reflect higher level of biodiversity. When the researcher compares the changes in canonical structures and values of canonical correlations in two time periods, he/she can detect the direction and structure of changes in biodiversity. Second, performing factor analyses on the same two types of data (cultural and biological) in two time periods can reflect the specific structure in certain sets of data (cultural or biological). Except the obvious insight in changes in factor structure for each set of variables in second time period, factor analysis of differences offers direct insight in the trend of changing biodiversity.

assessment; change; factor analysis; structure

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