Cluster Validation for Mixtures of Regressions via the Total Sum of Squares Decomposition

Salvatore Ingrassia () and Antonio Punzo ()
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Salvatore Ingrassia: University of Catania
Antonio Punzo: University of Catania

Journal of Classification, 2020, vol. 37, issue 2, No 15, 526-547

Abstract: Abstract One of the challenges in cluster analysis is the evaluation of the obtained clustering results without using auxiliary information. To this end, a common approach is to use internal validity criteria. For mixtures of linear regressions whose parameters are estimated by maximum likelihood, we propose a three-term decomposition of the total sum of squares as a starting point to define some internal validity criteria. In particular, three types of mixtures of regressions are considered: with fixed covariates, with concomitant variables, and with random covariates. A ternary diagram is also suggested for easier joint interpretation of the three terms of the proposed decomposition. Furthermore, local and overall coefficients of determination are respectively defined to judge how well the model fits the data group-by-group but also taken as a whole. Artificial data are considered to find out more about the proposed decomposition, including violations of the model assumptions. Finally, an application to real data illustrates the use and the usefulness of these proposals.

Keywords: Cluster validation; EM algorithm; Maximum likelihood; Mixtures of regressions; Model-based clustering; Ternary diagram (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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DOI: 10.1007/s00357-019-09326-4

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