Finding Patterns: An Introduction to Cluster Analysis

From movie recommendations and online shopping to fraud detection and social media feeds, clustering algorithms are everywhere in our everyday lives. These algorithms help identify patterns, group similar information, and uncover relationships hidden within large amounts of data. Join ASU Library's Unit for Data Science and Analytics for an interactive lab to explore how clustering works and why it is still one of the most widely used techniques in modern data analysis.

In this lab, we will discuss what clustering is, why it is useful, and how it is applied across fields like business, healthcare, social science and artificial intelligence. We will explore several of the most common clustering algorithms, discuss their strengths and limitations, and provide a guide to choosing the right clustering method for your data and research questions. Along the way, we will examine how clustering helps uncover patterns, relationships, and structures that may not be immediately visible.

Join us to learn how these algorithms work conceptually and how to apply them using beginner-friendly Python examples and open-source (free) tools. Whether you are just getting started in data science or looking to strengthen your analytical toolkit, this lab is designed to provide an approachable introduction to one of the foundational techniques behind recommendation systems, pattern recognition, and modern AI applications.