A new dynamic tree structured network - the Stochastic Competitive
Evolutionary Neural Tree (SCENT) is introduced. The network is able to provide a
hierarchical classification of unlabelled data sets. The main advantage that SCENT
offers over other hierarchical competitive networks is its ability to self-determine the
number and structure of the competitive nodes in the network without the need for
externally set parameters. The network produces stable classificatory structures by
halting its growth using locally calculated, stochastically controlled, heuristics. The
performance of the network is analysed by comparing its results with that of a good
non-hierarchical clusterer, and with three other hierarchical clusterers and its non
stochastic predecessor. SCENT’s classificatory capabilities are demonstrated by its
ability to produce a representative hierarchical structure to classify a broad range of data
sets.