Assuming the perception of similarities as a fundamental psychological process, the applicability of a multidimensional scaling, nonmetric technique called MAPP (Mathematical Analysis of Perception and Preference) is demonstrated using three case studies. Any technique which provides paired similarity ranks can be used to collect data necessary for MAPP input. From the set of similarity ranks and preference rank, MAPP determines: (1) the subject's perception of what is relevant in the stimulus, (2) clusters of perceived objects in terms of the attributes considered, (3) clusters of respondents, and (4) different perceived ideals and clusters of people sharing each ideal. In the first case study, hypotheses of perceptual congruency were tested, with four perceptual styles differentiating among Elementary and Secondary Education Act Title III administrators. The results of the second case study suggest that, in an occupational hierarchy, "agressive noncompliance" is more characteristic of top-rung members, and compliance to institutional norms upon request is more characteristic of lower rung members. Data analysis for the third study is not complete. Since MAPP does not require verbal or introspective responses, and attempts to elicit how respondents feel about stimuli in relation to each other, affective measurement implications become apparent. (PS)