In hierarchical clustering with PROC CLUSTER METHOD=COMPLETE, how is the between-cluster distance defined?
Select an answer to reveal the explanation.
Short Explanation
Here's the deal — complete linkage uses the distance between the two most distant observations from different clusters, the furthest neighbors. You're not averaging pairs, using closest pairs, or tracking sum-of-squares increases.
Full Explanation
Complete linkage defines between-cluster distance as the maximum distance between any pair of observations from different clusters, the furthest neighbors. Average distance across all pairs describes average linkage. Distance between closest observations describes single linkage. Increase in within-cluster sum of squares describes Ward's method.