Genetic algorithms for clustering: a preliminary investigation

Abstract

Cluster analysis is a technique which is used to discover patterns and associations within data. More specifically, it is a multivariate statistical procedure that starts with a data set containing information on some variables and attempts to reorganize these data cases into relatively homogeneous groups. One of the major problems encountered by researchers, with regard to cluster analysis that different clustering methods can and do generate different solutions for the same data set. What is needed, is a technique that has discovered the most 'natural' groups in a data set. Genetic algorithms belong to a class of 'artificially intelligent' techniques, that are founded on principles of natural selection and natural genetics. The primary goal of this research effort is to investigate the potential feasibility of using genetic algorithms for the purpose of clustering.<>