Using crime data from Alabama in 2003, I conducted a principal components analysis on crime rates for various offenses. The analysis showed that property crimes such as burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft grouped together, while violent crimes such as robbery, assault, and homicide loaded on a separate component. I then performed a MANOVA to compare crime rates across 2003-2007. The MANOVA revealed significant differences in overall crime rates between the five years examined.

1. a. Use the crime data set for Alabama (year=2003) for a factor analysis (FA) or a principal
components analysis (PCA) of crimes. Justify your choice between PCA and FA. In particular,
in the EXCEL spreadsheet, use columns: F, G, H, I, J, K, V, W. Analyze the crime rates for this
data set, and summarize your findings. Each “rate― =crime count/population count. Test
the raw rates first to see if a transformation is needed or not. Normal scores work quite well for
such data since potential outliers are of limited effect on normal scores. If you use factor
analysis, use an orthogonal rotation. Which types of crimes group together? Discuss.
b. Use a MANOVA to compare the crime rates for the 5 years (2003. 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007).
Do you see any differences between the five years?
Solution
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