ERIC Number: ED250390
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1984-Aug-24
Pages: 22
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
The Efficacy of Multidimensional Line-Printer Graphics for Cluster Recovery.
Brown, R. L.
The plotting of multivariate data using computer line-printers has become a popular means of quickly representing multidimensional data. While many plotting programs are available, there is a paucity of research regarding the validity and reliability of interpretations made by viewing such graphics. This study explores the validity of four multidimensional line-printer graphics by measuring the efficacy of cluster recovery. Simulated datasets were created with known cluster parameters and plotted using four graphic methods (facial plots, stars, boxes, and linear profiles). Subjects attempted to recover dichotomous clusters from viewing the plots. Their performance was evaluated over levels of cluster difficulty (as indicated by different Euclidean distances), and levels of dimensionality. Results for one experiment (univariate study of complete link cluster method using dichotomous cluster recovery with no reliability assessment) indicated that the graphic techniques vary in the efficacy of cluster recovery, contingent upon level of cluster distance, and number of dimensions plotted. Results of a second experiment (multivariate study using dichotomous recovery with no reliability assessment) primarily indicated a graphic type by distance interaction. (Author)
Publication Type: Speeches/Meeting Papers; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A