A method for recognizing a pattern that comprises a set of physical stimuli, said method comprising the steps of: providing a set of training observations and through applying a plurality of association models ascertaining various measuring values p.sub.j (k.vertline.x), j=1 . . . M, that each pertain to assigning a particular training observation to one or more associated pattern classes; setting up a log/linear association distribution by combining all association models of the plurality according to respective weight factors, and joining thereto a normalization quantity to produce a compound association distribution; optimizing said weight factors for thereby minimizing a detected error rate of the actual assigning to said compound distribution; recognizing target observations representing a target pattern with the help of said compound distribution.