basic description of PCA terms

I am currently trying to use a PCA to build a model to compare normal
operating conditions to some unusual operating conditions.

But I think I need some help with PCA!

Would it be possible to explain in simple terms, what does a principal
component anaylses actually mean? what a PCA
model actually does? What exactly are latent variables, scores and
loadings, as I don't understand those terms either?

I know this is very simple stuff, but I think I really need to get a
good grasp of it, to complete my analyses for my dissertation.

Any help you could provide me would be greatly appreciated!

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: basic description of PCA terms
    ... operating conditions to some unusual operating conditions. ... component anaylses actually mean? ... The presentation there is graphical, verbal and mathematical, starting with simple data sets where the entire data set and the PCA results can easily be visualized. ... "When you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance" -- Lee Ann Womack ...
    (sci.stat.math)
  • Re: basic description of PCA terms
    ... operating conditions to some unusual operating conditions. ... component anaylses actually mean? ... what a PCA ... I found the chapter in "Computer-aided multivariate analyses" by Affifi ...
    (sci.stat.math)
  • OT: Statistical analysis query
    ... Elly is writing her dissertation and there is heavy ... reliance on a massive data set which is subject to statistical ... to do is to take the next steps with it, involving PCA and then ANOVA ...
    (uk.rec.motorcycles)