Analysis of the Stability of Clusters of Variables via Bootstrap

Many cluster algorithms only allow the calculation of a partition without the possibility of evaluating the stability or variability of the solution due to the randomness of the sample. Resampling methods as the bootstrap provide a general framework within which one can analyse the stability of the results of a cluster analysis. We use it in the context of investigating psychological concepts based on variables of a questionnaire. We propose several measures to evaluate the variability of the clustering and exemplify the approach with a study on belief-attitudes of adults.