Discriminant function analysis (DFA) is a statistical technique used to determine which variables discriminate between two or more naturally occurring groups. It creates linear combinations of predictor variables that discriminate between the groups of a categorical dependent variable. DFA is useful for predicting group membership and understanding the relationship between predictors and groups. It works by developing discriminant functions, which are linear combinations of predictors that maximize differences between groups. Common applications of DFA include classification, prediction, and understanding differences between groups.