Exploring the similarities of different risks

Multifactorial data on risk originally collected by Fischoff et al and analysed using the method of factor analysis are reanalysed in this paper using Atkin's <I>Q</I>-analysis algorithm and Johnson's method of <I>Q</I>-discrimination analysis. These algorithms are presented as distinctive methods for interpreting data by revealing their internal structure. Unlike more familiar methods of factor analysis that can be used for a broadly similar purpose, the data are not distorted in any way, for example via the calculation of correlation coefficients. The 'results' which are obtained by invoking <I>Q</I>-analysis are contrasted with those originally obtained from factor analysis, and some comment on the apparent differences is made.