k mean cluster vs proc rank

[monster90]

Hi guys,

If I use proc rank with grouping function, what is the different between this method and the k mean clustering method?

Actually i do not see any other differentiation only that with using proc rank (with group) the procedure wants to divide the groups in equal part...

Thanks your answer,

Steve

[mkeintz]

I won't comment on k-means clustering method, but ...

1. proc rank cares about order, but not distance, however distance is defined.  And of course this is associated with only permitting equal-size groups.
   
   
2. proc rank doesn't do multi-dimensional "clustering", however defined.  I presume the clustering method does do multi-dimensional.

[PaigeMiller]

PROC RANK computes ranks on individual variables.

K-mean clusters finds groupings of observations in your data set using multiple variables.

These don't do the same things.