How to Perform a Mixed-Mode Cluster Analysis

Introduction

Mixed-Mode Cluster Analysis is cluster analysis which permits all of the different Question Types available in Q.

This algorithm has been included following requests by users. However, there are other algorithms in Q which are preferable:

• If the data being clustered is numeric, Segments - K-Means Cluster Analysis is preferable.
• Where the variables to be analyzed are not numeric, Latent Class Analysis is preferable.

Note preferable means that these other algorithms have marginally better qualities, but it is still possible to get a good solution with Mixed-Mode Cluster Analysis, and such a solution may be superior to those obtained via the other algorithms.

Requirements

• A series of questions in your data set that you want to use as inputs to the Mixed-Mode Cluster Analysis. You can use any of the Q variable structures as inputs to the analysis. 

Method

1. The first step depends on which version of Q you are using:
   • Q5.0 and later: Create > Segments > Mixed-Mode Cluster Analysis
   • Older versions of Q: Create > Segments, click Advanced, and change the Objective setting to Clustering.
2. Select the questions to be used to form the segments in the Questions to analyze dialog box.
3. If necessary, modify the default options. Note that:

• By default Q will automatically select the number of segments using the Bayesian information criterion. You can alternatively specify a specific number of segments by selecting the Manual option. Alternatively, you can select a different information criteria by clicking Advanced.
• The Question Type of the questions that are analyzed determines how the latent class model is conducted. For example, when analyzing a Pick One - Multi any scale points are ignored and Q treats the data as categorical; if it is converted to a Ranking Q focuses on understanding relativities; if it is converted to Number - Multi Q treats the data as being numeric.

Next

How to Do a Mixed-Mode Tree Analysis

How to Show Clusters in a Scatterplot