Multiple factor analysis combined with PLS path modelling. Application to the analysis of relationships between physicochemical variables, sensory profiles and hedonic judgements

Multiple Factor Analysis (MFA) highlights the structures common to a set of J groups (or blocks) of variables observed for the same individuals. PLS path modelling allows a search for latent variables, summarising as far as possible one-dimensional blocks of manifest variables while taking account of causal links between the blocks. These two methods can be combined: MFA, as an exploratory analysis, helps to define blocks, being both one-dimensional and as well-correlated as possible, on which PLS path modelling is performed. s paper, we present MFA in detail and PLS path modelling more briefly. We also mention some links between MFA, PLS path modelling and PLS regression. A detailed presentation of a sensory analysis example will illustrate the proposed methodology.