The p-median model as a tool for clustering psychological data.
The p-median clustering model represents a combinatorial approach to partition data sets into disjoint, nonhierarchical groups. Object classes are constructed around exemplars, that is, manifest objects in the data set, with the remaining instances assigned to their closest cluster centers. Effective, state-of-the-art implementations of p-median clustering are virtually unavailable in the popular social and behavioral science statistical software packages. We present p-median clustering, including a detailed description of its mechanics and a discussion of available software programs and their capabilities. Application to a complex structured data set on the perception of food items illustrates p-median clustering.
Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211-2500, USA. koehnh@missouri.edu
Hans-Friedrich
HF
Köhn
Douglas
D
Steinley
Michael J
MJ
Brusco
D015984:Causality; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D006801:Humans; D011582:Psychological Theory; D011584:Psychology / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*