A method is proposed for comparison of distinct partitions of the same set of n objects through a simple cross-product index defined between corresponding entries from two proximity matrices providing particular a priori codings of the within-class and between-class relationships for the partitions. (SLD)

Presents an exposition of two data reduction methods--single-link and complete-link hierarchical clustering. Emphasis is on statistical techniques for evaluating the adequacy of a completed partition hierarchy and the individual partitions within the sequence. A numerical reanalysis of data illustrates the methodology. (RC)