Numerical Taxonomy, R-Mode Factor Analysis, and Archaeological Classification

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Abstract
The concepts underlying numerical taxonomy and factor analysis are examined in relation to the goals and requirements of archaeological classification. Numerical taxonomy, represented in the archaeological literature most commonly by cluster analysis on raw data, is found to be inappropriate for those goals. In contrast, the technique of r-mode factor analysis fits very well with the nature of archaeological data and the general aims of archaeological classification. The results of three experiments are presented which illustrate the drastically different interpretations that can be engendered by the two procedures from the same data.