Practical Problems in a Method of Cluster Analysis

Abstract

The method of classification based on minimizing the determinant of the within-group dispersion matrix is discussed from the viewpoint of the practical user. Certain difficulties arise both in the computation and in the interpretation of the results. It is shown that these can be resolved to give a satisfactory answer to the question of the number of natural clusters and their bounds. The sampling behaviour of the method when applied to a uniform distribution is investigated, but no exact test of significance is derived.