Typologies and Taxonomies: An Introduction to Classification Techniques

How do we group different subjects on a variety of variables? Should we use a classification procedure in which only the concepts are classified (typology), one in which only empirical entities are classified (taxonomy), or a combination of both? Kenneth D Bailey addresses these questions and shows how classification methods can be used to improve research. Beginning with an exploration of the advantages and disadvantages of classification procedures, the book covers topics such as: clustering procedures including agglomerative and divisive methods; the relationship among various classification techniques; how clustering methods compare with related statistical techniques; classification resources; and software packages for use in clustering techniques.