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Q-Discrimination Analysis

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  • J H Johnson

    (Centre for Configurational Studies, Design Discipline, The Open University, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, England)

Abstract

The Q -analysis algorithm is sometimes used as a clustering procedure, sometimes inappropriately. The data for clustering a set of elements in terms of a set of descriptors are assumed to be weighted in a scale. This paper shows the scale requires no structure beyond an ordinal order relation to allow a refinement of the q -connected component partitions by Q -discrimination analysis. This requires a clear understanding of the meaning of the scale values when data are being collected, and gives a precise meaning to the slicing procedure of Q -analysis. The relevant definitions of Q -analysis are presented through examples and the paper is mathematically self-contained. It concludes with two illustrative examples and discusses the questions they raise. Q -discrimination analysis is presented as part of the methodology of Q -analysis, and to the extent that clustering is essentially concerned with set definition its application represents the beginning of a scientific enquiry rather than an end result.

Suggested Citation

  • J H Johnson, 1981. "Q-Discrimination Analysis," Environment and Planning B, , vol. 8(4), pages 419-434, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envirb:v:8:y:1981:i:4:p:419-434
    DOI: 10.1068/b080419
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