Comparison of classifications using measures intermediate between metric dissimilarity and consensus similarity (Q1091712)

Two fundamental approaches to the comparison of classifications (e.g., partitions on the same finite set of objects) can be distinguished. One approach is based upon measures of metric dissimilarity while the other is based upon measures of similarity, or consensus. These approaches are not necessarily simple complements of each other. Instead, each captures different, limited views of comparison of two classifications. The properties of these measures are clarified by their relationships to Day's complexity models and to association measures of numerical taxonomy. The two approaches to comparison are equated with the use of separation and minimum value sensitive measures, suggesting the potential application of an intermediate sensitive measure to the problem of comparison of classifications. Such a measure is a linear combination of separation sensitive and minimum value sensitive components. The application of these intermediate measures is contrasted with the two extremes. The intermediate measure for the comparison of classifications is applied to a problem of character weighting arising in the analysis of Australian stream basins.