A random effects individual difference multidimensional scaling model. (Q1566643)

Recent algorithms for nonlinear mixed effects models can also be used, after some modification, to fit individual differences multidimensional scaling models in which the subject weights are random effects. The models we propose here have several advantages over models which do not use random effects. For example, unlike traditional models, the number of parameters does not increase with the number of subjects, and, because the distribution of the subject weights is modeled, generalization of results to the sampled population of subjects is immediate. These models also have some disadvantages. Here, we discuss the proposed random effects model, give a computational algorithm for fitting the model, describe our experiences with this algorithm, and discuss potential generalizations to other multidimensional scaling models.