An information measure for hierarchic classification

Abstract

The information measure has been developed as a criterion of merit for intrinsic classifications. The information measure for non-hierarchic classifications has been described previously and a program developed which searched for that classification optimising the information measure. However, hierarchic classifications are often of practical importance and this paper develops the information measure for hierarchic classifications. Two algorithms are outlined for generating hierarchic classifications which minimise the information measure. One of these has been programmed and first tests show a good agreement with conventional taxonomy.