Re: Cluster analysis expert needed

Posted by Art Kendall on Oct 16, 2014; 11:57am
URL: http://spssx-discussion.165.s1.nabble.com/Cluster-analysis-expert-needed-tp5727586p5727615.html

It seems you have 3 sets of variables.  Why not try to find patterns separately among all three?

It may be possible to find groups of cases separately in each set using the techniques that have been suggested and then work with a variable representing agreement among the various techniques.
In 1976 while at the US Census Bureau I published a description of what I called "core clusters". However, I am in the midst of moving for my second retirement and have no idea where my files are.
Since then more exploratory/heuristic techniques such as TWOSTEP, Correspondence analysis, CATPCA, etc. have been developed.  At that time clustering was not available in SPSS and clustering was done in separate ad hoc programs.   SPSS was used in developing the core cluster memberships.  

At the most compacted way of looking at your data you could end up with 3 new variables operationalizing memberships in groups with common profiles within each set.

Other   possibilities include  "when relating a variable summarizing group a how well do I know set b".

I suggest that you work out your questions and post queries on the Classification Society mailing list.
see http://www.classification-society.org/clsoc/clsoc.php
The people there specialize in multivariate method of class (pattern) detection, class (pattern recognition), multidimensional scaling, correspondence analysis (aka dual scaling), etc.

There are many people from the British Classification Society on the list. They may be able offer some local guidance.