Cluster Analysis by Linear Contrasts

Author(s):

Shafto, Michael.

Publication Year:

1972

Report Number:

RB-72-35

Source:

ETS Research Bulletin

Document Type:

Report

Page Count:

26

Subject/Key Words:

National Science Foundation (NSF), Cluster Analysis, Correlation, Research Methodology

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to suggest a technique of cluster analysis which is similar in aim to the Interactive Intercolumnar Correlation Analysis (IICA), though different in detail. Two methods are proposed for extracting a single bipolar factor (a "contrast compenent") directly from the initial similarities matrix. The advantages of this general approach are that: (a) It helps avoid certain misclassification problems inherent in IICA; (b) It is related in a straightforward way to conventional techniques o multidimensional scaling and therefore allows a unified treatment of dimensional and "typal" structures; and (c) It provides an interesting solution to the problem of relations among linear contrasts based on different subsets of the stimuli. (Author/DJ) (26pp.)

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• http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/j.2333-8504.1972.tb00627.x