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Classifying Units into Homogeneous Groups: Application of a Two-stage Method to District-level Data on Primary Education in India

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  • Tamal Krishna Kayal

    (Tamal Krishna Kayal is an Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.)

Abstract

In development studies, classification of units into different homogeneous groups is often required. Arriving at such a classification becomes complicated when a number of variables are taken into consideration. The standard practice of using an aggregate measure for this purpose has several limitations. The present study applies a two-stage method that attempts to overcome these limitations. It has considered data for 10 indicators of outcome of primary education for 161 districts across India. These districts have been classified into three distinct but homogeneous groups. The classification is such that the districts within a particular group are more or less similar in terms of the indicators of educational outcome, but they differ significantly across the three groups. The two-stage method has also revealed the specific area of disadvantage for each group of districts, thus yielding useful information for policy purposes. JEL Codes: C18, C38, I21

Suggested Citation

  • Tamal Krishna Kayal, 2022. "Classifying Units into Homogeneous Groups: Application of a Two-stage Method to District-level Data on Primary Education in India," Margin: The Journal of Applied Economic Research, National Council of Applied Economic Research, vol. 16(2), pages 203-221, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:mareco:v:16:y:2022:i:2:p:203-221
    DOI: 10.1177/09738010221074575
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Classification method; Distinct homogeneous groups; Principal components; Varimax rotation; Cluster analysis; Primary education;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C18 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Methodolical Issues: General
    • C38 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Classification Methdos; Cluster Analysis; Principal Components; Factor Analysis
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education

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