An application of latent class random coefficient regression (Q556519)

Summary: We apply a statistical model combining a random coefficient regression model and a latent class regression model. The EM-algorithm is used for maximum likelihood estimation of the unknown parameters in the model and it is pointed out how this leads to a straightforward handling of a number of different variance/covariance restrictions. Finally, the model is used to analyze how consumers preferences for eight coffee samples relate to sensory characteristics of the coffees. Within this application the analysis corresponds to a model-based version of the so-called external preference mapping.