[Solved] Which of the following best describes the role of the linkage function in hierarchical clustering? — Ans: It computes a hierarchical clustering encoded as a linkage matrix from a... | SciPy

SciPy - Clustering and Distance

Which of the following best describes the role of the linkage function in hierarchical clustering?

AIt normalizes the dataset before clustering.

BIt computes a hierarchical clustering encoded as a linkage matrix from a dataset.

CIt visualizes the dendrogram of clusters.

DIt assigns cluster labels to each data point.

Step-by-Step Solution

Solution:

Step 1: Understand the linkage function
The linkage function computes hierarchical clustering by calculating distances between clusters and returns a linkage matrix.
Step 2: Differentiate from other tasks
Normalization, visualization, and label assignment are separate steps and not performed by linkage.
Final Answer:
It computes a hierarchical clustering encoded as a linkage matrix from a dataset. -> Option B
Quick Check:
Linkage outputs a matrix representing cluster merges [OK]

Quick Trick: Linkage computes cluster merges, not labels or plots [OK]

Common Mistakes:

Master "Clustering and Distance" in SciPy

9 interactive learning modes - each teaches the same concept differently

More SciPy Quizzes

Which of the following best describes the role of the linkage function in hierarchical clustering?