Univariate Screening Measures for Cluster Analysis

Multivariate Behavioral Research
J R Donoghue

Abstract

lnciusion of irrelevant variables in a cluster analysis adversely affects subgroup recovery. This article examines using moment-based statistics to screen variables; only variables which pass the screening are then used in clustering. Normal mixtures are analytically shown often to possess negative kurtosis. Two related measures, m and coefficient of bimodality 6, are also examined. A Monte Carlo study compared the screening measures to no selection, De Soete's (1988) ultrametric weights, and Fowlkes, Gnanadesikan, and Kettenring's (1988) forward selection procedure. Screening based on kurtosis degraded recovery and is not recommended. In contrast, screening on m or on b improved recovery over both no selection and forward selection, and screening performed as well as ultrametric weights. Combining screening with ultrametric weights performed extremely well. All methods were found to be somewhat sensitive to other types of emr. Screening variables appears a viable alternative to both ultrametric weights and forward selection. The potential advantages and disadvantages of screening are considered.

References

Dec 1, 1979·Journal of Personality Assessment·P E Meehl
Sep 1, 1967·Psychometrika·S C Johnson
Apr 1, 1969·Multivariate Behavioral Research·J L Fleiss, J Zubin
Oct 1, 1986·Multivariate Behavioral Research·G W Milligan, M C Cooper

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Sep 10, 2004·Psychological Methods·Douglas Steinley
Jan 1, 2008·Multivariate Behavioral Research·Douglas Steinley, Michael J Brusco
May 20, 2006·The British Journal of Mathematical and Statistical Psychology·Douglas Steinley

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.