The 'p'-Median Model as a Tool for Clustering Psychological Data

The "p"-median clustering model represents a combinatorial approach to partition data sets into disjoint, nonhierarchical groups. Object classes are constructed around "exemplars", that is, manifest objects in the data set, with the remaining instances assigned to their closest cluster centers. Effective, state-of-the-art implementations of "p"-median clustering are virtually unavailable in the popular social and behavioral science statistical software packages. We present "p"-median clustering, including a detailed description of its mechanics and a discussion of available software programs and their capabilities. Application to a complex structured data set on the perception of food items illustrates "p"-median clustering. (Contains 2 figures and 2 tables.)