The current research is undertaken to understand the degree to which K-means clustering is resilient to coarse scales and skewed distributions. Two empirical studies are conducted to evaluate how scale granularity and non-normal distributions impact cluster solutions. In both studies, important considerations in the design and testing of clustering methods are addressed. The findings demonstrate that scale granularity influences the quality of a clustering solution, whether quality is measured as cluster recovery or as local optima. However, skewed distributions did not have an impact under the conditions that were tested. Important research directions are explored. / A Dissertation submitted to the Department of Marketing in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. / Fall Semester, 2007. / October 19, 2007. / cluster analysis, scaling, simulation, K-means / Includes bibliographical references. / Michael J. Brusco, Professor Directing Dissertation; James G. Combs, Outside Committee Member; J. Dennis Cradit, Committee Member; Charles F. Hofacker, Committee Member.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_181127 |
| Contributors | Brudvig, Susan (authoraut), Brusco, Michael J. (professor directing dissertation), Combs, James G. (outside committee member), Cradit, J. Dennis (committee member), Hofacker, Charles F. (committee member), Department of Marketing (degree granting department), Florida State University (degree granting institution) |
| Publisher | Florida State University, Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Language | English, English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text, text |
| Format | 1 online resource, computer, application/pdf |
| Rights | This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s). The copyright in theses and dissertations completed at Florida State University is held by the students who author them. |
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