Classification (Chapman & Hall/CRC Monographs on Statistics and Applied Probability)

Suited to the advanced undergraduate and postgraduate student of classification, cluster analysis, and multivariate analysis, as well as researchers in many disciplines, this volume addresses clustering and graphical methods of representing data, as well as providing advice on ways to decide on the relevant methods of analysis for different data sets. First published in 1981, the new edition contains a substantial amount of new material including an overview of recent methodological developments in efficient clustering algorithms, cluster validation, consensus classifications, and classification of symbolic data. As the amount of information recorded and stored electronically grows ever larger, it becomes increasingly useful, if not essential, to develop better and more efficient ways to summarize and extract information from these large, multivariate data sets. The field of classification does just that-investigates sets of "objects" to see if they can be summarized into a small number of classes comprising similar objects.Researchers have made great strides in the field over the last twenty years, and classification is no longer perceived as being concerned solely with exploratory analyses. The second edition of Classification incorporates many of the new and powerful methodologies developed since its first edition. Like its predecessor, this edition describes both clustering and graphical methods of representing data, and offers advice on how to decide which methods of analysis best apply to a particular data set. It goes even further, however, by providing critical overviews of recent developments not widely known, including efficient clustering algorithms, cluster validation, consensus classifications, and the classification of symbolic data.The author has taken an approach accessible to researchers in the wide variety of disciplines that can benefit from classification analysis and methods. He illustrates the methodologies by applying them to data sets-smaller sets given in the text, larger ones available through a Web site.Large multivariate data sets can be difficult to comprehend-the sheer volume and complexity can prove overwhelming. Classification methods provide efficient, accurate ways to make them less unwieldy and extract more information. Classification, Second Edition offers the ideal vehicle for gaining the background and learning the methodologies-and begin putting these techniques to use. "The subject of classification is concerned with extracting and summarizing information from multivariate data sets. With the growth in size of data sets that are recorded and stored electronically, such methodology is becoming increasingly important.". "In this 2nd edition of Classification, clustering and graphical methods of representing data are described in detail. The book also gives advice on ways to decide on the relevant methods of analysis for different data sets. The book is a substantial revision of the earlier edition, and provides an overview of many recent methodological developments in the subject.". "Advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students in classification, cluster analysis, and multivariate analysis will find this a useful text. The book will be invaluable to researchers in many disciplines who are analyzing data."--BOOK JACKET. The first book of its kind, MRS of the Brain and Neurological Disorders illustrates and demonstrates the usefulness of magnetic resonance spectroscopy for the diagnosis of brain and neurologic disorders, including epilepsy, nervous disorders, psychiatric disorders, and brain tumors.