Multivariate Analysis - March 2025
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Multivariate Analysis
25, 26, 27, 31 March and 1 April 2025
Wageningen Campus
Scope
The course Multivariate Analysis offers a thorough introduction to multivariate statistical methods, tailored for researchers working with complex datasets where multiple variables are measured simultaneously. It is particularly relevant for those analysing data from fields such as ecology, agriculture, environmental sciences, and related disciplines, where observations often include numerous interdependent variables. Participants will learn to address challenges common in such datasets, including multicollinearity, high dimensionality, and the need for effective visualization. Key topics include principal component analysis, redundancy analysis, correspondence analysis, clustering, and other ordination methods, alongside foundational techniques like multiple linear regression, logistic regression, and loglinear models. These regression-based methods are essential for understanding relationships between variables, modelling outcomes, and handling categorical data. The course balances theoretical insights with practical applications, emphasizing the importance of selecting appropriate techniques to answer specific research questions. Participants will explore how to uncover patterns, reduce dimensionality, and interpret complex relationships within their data. Special focus is given to methods for visualizing multivariate results and communicating findings effectively. Through interactive lectures and hands-on exercises, participants will gain the skills to apply multivariate techniques. By the end of the course, they will be well-prepared to analyse their own data, whether it involves exploring ecological gradients, studying community composition, interpreting multi-response agricultural trials, or modelling complex systems using regression approaches.
Programme
- Day 1: Collecting data, multiple linear regression and polynomials, qualitative variables in regression, selection of variables, comparing models.
- Day 2: Loglinear models, analysis of presence-absence data, logistic regression analyses with the Gaussian response model.
- Day 3: Introduction to multivariate analysis, ordination, direct and indirect analysis of gradients, length of gradient, principal components analysis (PCA), redundancy analysis (RDA), interpretation biplots of PCA and RDA.
- Day 4: Ordination based on correspondence analysis methods (CA, CCA and DCA) Interpretation CA/DCA plots, choice of method.
- Day 5: Cluster analysis, choice of similarity measure, agglomerative methods, divisive methods, classification and interpretation.
General information
| Target Group | The course is aimed at PhD candidates, postdocs, and other academics that are working above plant integration level in plant, animal, and/or environmental/ecological sciences |
| Group Size | Min. 15 / Max. 24 participants |
| Course duration | 5 days |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Frequency of recurrence | Annually |
| Number of credits | 1.5 ECTS |
| Lecturers | Ir. Saskia Burgers (Wageningen UR) and dr. Jos Hageman (Biometris, Wageningen UR) |
| Prior knowledge | Participants are expected to have a good knowledge of basic statistics (like hypothesis testing, t- and F-tests and linear regression) and some experience in a statistical package (GenStat, R, SPSS, or likewise) |
| Location | Wageningen Campus |
| Accommodation | Accommodation is not included in the fee of the course, but there are several possibilities in Wageningen. For non-WUR PE&RC members 50% of the accommodation costs can be reimbursed with a maximum of €30,- per night. For information on B&B's and hotels in Wageningen please visit Short Stay Wageningen. Furthermore Airbnb offers several rooms in the area. Finally, there are a number of groups on Facebook where students announce subrent possibilities and things like that. Examples include: Wageningen Room Subrent, Wageningen Room Sublets, Room Rent Wageningen, and Wageningen Student Plaza. Note that besides the restaurants in Wageningen, there are also options to have dinner on Wageningen Campus. |
Fees 1
| EARLY-BIRD FEE 2 | REGULAR FEE | |
| PE&RC / WIMEK / WASS / EPS / VLAG / WIAS PhD candidates with an approved TSP and WU EngD candidates | € 255,- | € 305,- |
| PE&RC postdocs and staff | € 510,- | € 560,- |
| All other academic participants | € 550,- | € 600,- |
| Non academic participants | € 805,- | € 855,- |
1 The course fee includes a reader, coffee/tea, and lunches. It does not include accommodation (NB: options for accommodation are given above)
2 The Early-Bird Fee applies to anyone who REGISTERS BEFORE 27 JANUARY 2025
Note:
- The Early-Bird policy is such that the moment of REGISTRATION (and not payment) is leading for determining the fee that applies to you.
- Please make sure that your payment is arranged within two weeks after your registration. Arrange your payment immediately if you register two weeks or less before the start of the course.
- It is the participant's responsibility that the payment is correct and in time.
PE&RC Cancellation Conditions
IMPORTANT: ALWAYS read the Cancellation conditions for PE&RC courses and activities.
More information
Ir. Saskia Burgers
Phone: +31 (0) 317 480802
Email: saskia.burgers@wur.nl
Dr. Claudius van de Vijver (PE&RC)
Phone: +31 (0) 317 485116
Email: claudius.vandevijver@wur.nl
Registration
To register, please enter your details below and click "Register".