Research methodology. Part IV: Understanding canonical correlation analysis

Canonical correlation is presented as a technique to determine how sets of dependent variables are related with sets of independent variables. Canonical correlation reveals the strength of the relationship between the clusters using case data as illustration, three pairs of clusters (factors or profiles) emerged. Interpretation of the clusters are presented. As indicated in the case presentation, Canonical Correlation (CA) is the fourth in a series of methodologies selected for illustration as precursors to advanced statistics and modeling. In this paper, background will be given, a schematic example presented, sample size and CA, SPSS procedure to perform CA, and interpretation of CA and possible uses of CA in nursing research.