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similarly by the subjects. The interpretation of clusters
is based on the assumption that criteria that are responded
to similarly are, in fact, slightly different
representations of larger or deeper criteria.’ Thus, cluster
analysis is useful in compensating for potentially unsure
and inadequate selections and expressions of criteria. In
estimating the relative importance of each cluster to the
concept of ownership, the contributions of the cluster
members are weighted equally by simply averaging the median
judgement scores. The dendrogram for each cluster will be
interpreted in turn.
In the cluster dendrogram for judgements of owned
exemplars in Figure 1, four major clusters were present. A
score of 1.00 means 'Does not apply', a score of 4.00 means
‘Applies completely'. The first cluster, with a mean median
judgement score of 3.79, consisted of ‘Possession, Assertion,
and Territoriality. This might be labelled the "Social
Defensive" cluster since it emphasizes the qualities of a
defensive, boundary marking stance towards other people.
This may be related to the concept of defensive space, that
people are prepared to take defensive actions if they
perceive their territory or personal space to be threatened
(Newnan, | 1973; Brower, 1980). The second cluster, with a
mean score of 3.49, consisted of Familiarity, Knowledge,
Aesthetics, and Utility. It might be labelled the "Favored