$k$-POD: A Method for $k$-Means Clustering of Missing Data

Abstract

The $k$-means algorithm is often used in clustering applications but its usage requires a complete data matrix. Missing data, however, is common in many applications. Mainstream approaches to clustering missing data reduce the missing data problem to a complete data formulation through either deletion or imputation but these solutions may incur significant costs. Our $k$-POD method presents a simple extension of $k$-means clustering for missing data that works even when the missingness mechanism is unknown, when external information is unavailable, and when there is significant missingness in the data.