Classification as a Tool of Research

Book excerpt: This work contains a selection of papers presented at the meeting. The subjects covered include: Data analysis: Methods of scaling, Loglinear models, Correspondence analysis, Pattern recognition and discrimination, Analysis and aggregation of discrete structures, Measures of similarity and association. Numerical classification: Clustering methods, Robustness of methods, Fuzzy clustering, Statistical models. Concept analysis: Construction and reconstruction of concepts, Theories of characteristics and of definitions, Impact on artificial intelligence. Indexing languages and terminologies as information resources: Classification systems, Thesauri, Conceptual structure utilization, Identification of analogies. Software tools (especially on microcomputers): Availability of programs, Interfaces to data base systems, Information retrieval systems, Method base systems, Graphical representation, Comparisons of algorithms. Applications of classification examined here include economics, business administration, natural sciences, social science and humanities, chemistry research, library science, and linguistics. Contributors: P. Arabie, I. Balderjahn, P.M. Bentler, H.-H. Bock, I.