Elementary Cluster Analysis

Elementary Cluster Analysis
Author: James C. Bezdek
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 516
Release: 2022-10-17
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1000794784

The availability of packaged clustering programs means that anyone with data can easily do cluster analysis on it. But many users of this technology don't fully appreciate its many hidden dangers. In today's world of "grab and go algorithms," part of my motivation for writing this book is to provide users with a set of cautionary tales about cluster analysis, for it is very much an art as well as a science, and it is easy to stumble if you don't understand its pitfalls. Indeed, it is easy to trip over them even if you do! The parenthetical word usually in the title is very important, because all clustering algorithms can and do fail from time to time. Modern cluster analysis has become so technically intricate that it is often hard for the beginner or the non-specialist to appreciate and understand its many hidden dangers. Here's how Yogi Berra put it, and he was right: In theory there's no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is ~Yogi Berra This book is a step backwards, to four classical methods for clustering in small, static data sets that have all withstood the tests of time. The youngest of the four methods is now almost 50 years old: Gaussian Mixture Decomposition (GMD, 1898) SAHN Clustering (principally single linkage (SL, 1909)) Hard c-means (HCM, 1956, also widely known as (aka) "k-means") Fuzzy c-means (FCM, 1973, reduces to HCM in a certain limit) The dates are the first known writing (to me, anyway) about these four models. I am (with apologies to Marvel Comics) very comfortable in calling HCM, FCM, GMD and SL the Fantastic Four. Cluster analysis is a vast topic. The overall picture in clustering is quite overwhelming, so any attempt to swim at the deep end of the pool in even a very specialized subfield requires a lot of training. But we all start out at the shallow end (or at least that's where we should start!), and this book is aimed squarely at teaching toddlers not to be afraid of the water. There is no section of this book that, if explored in real depth, cannot be expanded into its own volume. So, if your needs are for an in-depth treatment of all the latest developments in any topic in this volume, the best I can do - what I will try to do anyway - is lead you to the pool, and show you where to jump in.

Handbook of Cluster Analysis

Handbook of Cluster Analysis
Author: Christian Hennig
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 753
Release: 2015-12-16
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 1466551895

Handbook of Cluster Analysis provides a comprehensive and unified account of the main research developments in cluster analysis. Written by active, distinguished researchers in this area, the book helps readers make informed choices of the most suitable clustering approach for their problem and make better use of existing cluster analysis tools.The

Typologies and Taxonomies

Typologies and Taxonomies
Author: Kenneth D. Bailey
Publisher: SAGE
Total Pages: 100
Release: 1994-06-13
Genre: Reference
ISBN: 9780803952591

How do we group different subjects on a variety of variables? Should we use a classification procedure in which only the concepts are classified (typology), one in which only empirical entities are classified (taxonomy), or some combination of both? In this clearly written book, Bailey addresses these questions and shows how classification methods can be used to improve research. Beginning with an exploration of the advantages and disadvantages of classification procedures including those typologies that can be constructed without the use of a computer, the book covers such topics as clustering procedures (including agglomerative and divisive methods), the relationship among various classification techniques (including the relationship of monothetic, qualitative typologies to polythetic, quantitative taxonomies), a comparison of clustering methods and how these methods compare with related statistical techniques such as factor analysis, multidimensional scaling and systems analysis, and lists classification resources. This volume also discusses software packages for use in clustering techniques.

Factor Analysis

Factor Analysis
Author: Edward E. Cureton
Publisher: Psychology Press
Total Pages: 520
Release: 2013-11-19
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 1317759648

This book is written primarily as a text for a course in factor analysis at the advanced undergraduate or graduate level. It is most appropriate for students of the behavioral and social sciences, though colleagues and students in other disciplines also have used preliminary copies.

Cluster Analysis for Researchers

Cluster Analysis for Researchers
Author: Charles Romesburg
Publisher: Lulu.com
Total Pages: 334
Release: 2004
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1411606175

Back in print at a good price. To see the many websites referencing this book, in Google enter "cluster analysis" (in quotes) and Romesburg. Headlines of 5-star reviews on Amazon.com: "A very clear 'how to' book on cluster analysis" (C. Fielitz, Bristol, TN); "An excellent introduction to cluster analysis" (T. W. Powell, Shreveport, LA). A recent (2004) review in Journal of Classification (21:279-283) says: "We should be grateful to the author for his insistence in bringing forth important issues, which have not got yet that level of attention they deserve. I wish this journal could devote more efforts in promoting the scientific inquiry and discussions of methodology of clustering in scientific research [as Cluster Analysis for Researchers does]." To see or search inside the book, go to www.google.com, type in the book's title, and click on it when it comes up (or copy and paste in your browser's window the following URL: http://print.google.com/print?isbn=1411606175 ).

Handbook of Applied Multivariate Statistics and Mathematical Modeling

Handbook of Applied Multivariate Statistics and Mathematical Modeling
Author: Howard E.A. Tinsley
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 751
Release: 2000-05-22
Genre: Mathematics
ISBN: 0080533566

Multivariate statistics and mathematical models provide flexible and powerful tools essential in most disciplines. Nevertheless, many practicing researchers lack an adequate knowledge of these techniques, or did once know the techniques, but have not been able to keep abreast of new developments. The Handbook of Applied Multivariate Statistics and Mathematical Modeling explains the appropriate uses of multivariate procedures and mathematical modeling techniques, and prescribe practices that enable applied researchers to use these procedures effectively without needing to concern themselves with the mathematical basis. The Handbook emphasizes using models and statistics as tools. The objective of the book is to inform readers about which tool to use to accomplish which task. Each chapter begins with a discussion of what kinds of questions a particular technique can and cannot answer. As multivariate statistics and modeling techniques are useful across disciplines, these examples include issues of concern in biological and social sciences as well as the humanities.

Research Methods in Education

Research Methods in Education
Author: Louis Cohen
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 785
Release: 2013-03-07
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1135721963

This rewritten, expanded and updated 7th edition of the long-running bestseller Research Methods in Education encompasses the whole range of methods currently employed by educational research at all stages. It offers plentiful and rich practical advice, underpinned by clear theoretical foundations, research evidence and up-to-date references. Chapters new to this edition cover: Causation, critical educational research, evaluation and the politics of research, including material on cross-cultural research, mixed methods and participatory research Choosing and planning a research project, including material on sampling, research questions, literature reviews and ethical issues Meta-analysis, research syntheses and systematic reviews Virtual worlds and internet research Using and analysing visual media and data in educational research Organizing and presenting qualitative data, content analysis, coding and computer analysis, themes, narratives, conversations and discourses, grounded theory Understanding and choosing statistical tests, descriptive and inferential statistics, multi-dimensional measurement and factor analysis Research Methods in Education is essential reading for both the professional researcher and students of education at undergraduate and postgraduate level, who need to understand how to plan, conduct, analyse and use research. The textbook is accompanied by a website: www.routledge.com/textbooks/cohen7e. PowerPoint slides for every chapter contain an outline of the chapter structure followed by a thorough summary of the key points, ideal for both lecturers and students. Within the book a variety of internet resources are referred to and these references have been included here, with links to the websites. A wide range of supplementary documents are available for many chapters, providing additional guidance and examples. They range from guidelines for the contents of a research proposal with a worked example, to screen-print manuals for using SPSS and QSR N6 NUD*IST (exportable to N-Vivo) plus data files.

Business Intelligence and Big Data

Business Intelligence and Big Data
Author: Celina M. Olszak
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 178
Release: 2020-11-17
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 1000218287

The twenty-first century is a time of intensifying competition and progressive digitization. Individual employees, managers, and entire organizations are under increasing pressure to succeed. The questions facing us today are: What does success mean? Is success a matter of chance and luck or perhaps is success a category that can be planned and properly supported? Business Intelligence and Big Data: Drivers of Organizational Success examines how the success of an organization largely depends on the ability to anticipate and quickly respond to challenges from the market, customers, and other stakeholders. Success is also associated with the potential to process and analyze a variety of information and the means to use modern information and communication technologies (ICTs). Success also requires creative behaviors and organizational cleverness from an organization. The book discusses business intelligence (BI) and Big Data (BD) issues in the context of modern management paradigms and organizational success. It presents a theoretically and empirically grounded investigation into BI and BD application in organizations and examines such issues as: Analysis and interpretation of the essence of BI and BD Decision support Potential areas of BI and BD utilization in organizations Factors determining success with using BI and BD The role of BI and BD in value creation for organizations Identifying barriers and constraints related to BI and BD design and implementation The book presents arguments and evidence confirming that BI and BD may be a trigger for making more effective decisions, improving business processes and business performance, and creating new business. The book proposes a comprehensive framework on how to design and use BI and BD to provide organizational success.

Perspectives on Bullying

Perspectives on Bullying
Author: Roland D. Maiuro, PhD
Publisher: Springer Publishing Company
Total Pages: 179
Release: 2015-11-30
Genre: Family & Relationships
ISBN: 082619463X

This book, featuring acclaimed research articles on cyber, childhood, and workplace bullying from the peer-reviewed journal Violence and Victims, provides comprehensive coverage of bullying from expert researchers in the fields of psychology, psychiatry, sociology, criminology, counseling, and social work. It reflects our broadening perspectives on bullying that go beyond the archetype of the schoolyard bully, and addresses bullying in adolescence, adulthood, the workplace, and online settings. Authors present research related to predictive factors for bullying, victims and perpetrators of bullying, and prevention programs. They examine the relationship of gender to bullying and how bullying affects educational outcomes. Articles address the correlations between those who bully, their economic status, and family life. They discuss the burgeoning issue of cyberbullying, an issue for both adolescents and adults that is outpacing the legislation and solutions needed to cope with it. Articles consider issues of bullying in China and Germany, in metropolitan and rural settings. Teachers are not exempt from bullying, as discussed in a study of 70 teachers who were bullied by students. The articles also cover workplace bullying, a common scenario that can have deleterious affects not only on victim and perpetrator, but also on the work culture as a whole. Key Features: Disseminates the most acclaimed research articles on bullying from the peer-reviewed journal Victims and Violence Authored by well-known bullying experts from varied social science disciplines Covers physical bullying and cyberbullying of adults and children in school, the workplace, and other settings Presents research related to predictive factors and prevention programs Addresses bullying from an international perspective