What are the Common Distance Metrics and Linkage Criteria Used?
The choice of distance metric and linkage criterion is critical in hierarchical clustering. Common distance metrics include Euclidean distance, Manhattan distance, and Pearson correlation. Popular linkage criteria encompass single linkage, complete linkage, average linkage, and Ward's method. Each combination can yield different clustering outcomes, and the choice often depends on the specific characteristics of the dataset and the research question at hand.
