Reverse clustering: an outline for a concept and its use

摘要

In this study, a new perspective on the application of the clustering approach is proposed. The perspective aims to identify the values of the parameters of clustering, including the choice of the algorithm itself, which lead to a possibly faithful rendering of a partition of data, which is known a priori. Motivation and possible interpretations are discussed which can be associated with such a reverse identification process. The essential motivation is associated, but not limited, to the primary objective of cluster analysis, i.e. gaining insight into the structure of the given data-set or family of data-sets. We propose to use evolutionary strategies for reverse analysis to be carried out in view of the characteristics of the problem considered. The concept and the feasibility of the proposed computational approach are illustrated by the analysis of an exemplary data-set. The preliminary results obtained are promising in both technical and cognitive terms.