Reflection Note-5

Cluster Analysis
Number of Clusters:
The initial step in this analysis is to select the number of clusters. Firstly we ran the K mean
cluster analysis by changing the number of clusters from 3 to 10. We plotted the graph
between SSE and number of clusters. Using elbow rule we have decided to take the number
of clusters to be five. The graph is in the next page.
Interpretation:
From the cluster analysis output table given in the next page we have highlighted the
maximum values with green and minimum values with yellow. This has helped us identify
the nature of the clusters. We can clearly see that four clusters could be explained and named
based on the variables.
Cluster 1:
This cluster scores high on variables X2 to X9 which are related to the survey questions on
number of statistics courses taken, number of students in statistic class, ratings of instructor
and books recommended. This cluster can be named as Strong foundation group
Cluster 2:
This cluster scores high on variables X12 to X17 which are related to the survey questions on
time given on the course, their adeptness and comfort level with the subject. This cluster can
be named as Confident group
Cluster 3:
No clear patterns can be identified from this cluster.
Cluster 4:
This cluster scores low on variables X2 to X8. This cluster is exactly the opposite to cluster 1.
This is the weak foundation group
Cluster 5:
This cluster scores low on variables X13 to X17. This cluster is exactly the opposite the
cluster 2. This group is the diffident group

Conclusion:
From the analysis we have come across four clusters in which two are very opposite to the
other two. Cluster 4 and cluster 5 groups can be considered to be the one who are afraid of
statistics course and the reasons attributed to this are the instructor quality and students
confidence in the subject.
Graph between SSE and No of clusters:

SSE
2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Cluster Analysis Output for 5 clusters:

Centroid 1 2 3 4 5
X1 1.173913 1.3 1.5 1.384615 1.555556
X2 3.673913 2.7 1.973684 1.769231 3.027778
X3 4.413043 3.033333 4.105263 1.961538 4.361111
X4 4.26087 2.4 4.105263 2.346154 4.166667
X5 4.369565 4.066667 3.684211 2.192308 3.027778
X6 4.23913 4.1 3.5 2.461538 2.805556
X7 4.347826 4.2 3.473684 2.538462 2.888889
X8 4.304348 3.966667 3.368421 2.384615 3.027778
X9 3.695652 3.7 3.131579 2.692308 2.583333
X 10 1.173913 1.166667 1.578947 1.653846 1.583333
X 11 1.978261 1.766667 2.605263 2.961538 3.75
X 12 1.23913 2.833333 2 2 1.694444
X 13 3.413043 3.9 3.157895 2.307692 1.722222
X 14 2.23913 4.233333 3.736842 2.346154 2.083333
X 15 3.652174 4 3.894737 2.730769 2.138889
X 16 3.73913 4.2 3.657895 2.461538 2.333333
X 17 2.652174 4.1 3.5 2.769231 1.944444