Cluster analysis for data processing in educational research

Abstract

Quantitative approaches to educational research have been undervalued and consequently less widely used. In this sense, this paper aims to present and analyze the techniques of Cluster Analysis as a possibility for research in sciences area. Therefore, the main hierarchical and non-hierarchical techniques of Cluster Analysis are presented, as well as some of their applications in educational research found in the literature. Cluster Analysis is adequate to simplify or elaborate hypotheses on massive data, such as large-scale educational research. The studies in the area of education that used Cluster Analysis methods proved to be fruitful to elicit results that collaborate with the area.