ANALYSIS OF SIMILARITY DATA AND TVERSKYS CONTRAST MODEL

In this paper we briefly review Tversky's main criticisms of spatial m odels of similarity. We then recapitulate the contrast model that was proposed to remedy for the shortcomings of spatial models. Next, four data-analytic methods that are based on the contrast model are describ ed and illustrated with analyses of a small data set; special attentio n is given to the interrelations of the models on which the methods ar e based. Finally, the four data-analytic methods are checked against T versky's criticisms of geometric models of similarity and against rece nt cognitive objections to the contrast model.