This document discusses judging the relevance of information based on its subject. It defines relevance as how well an item meets an information need. Relevance is determined on a degree, not a binary scale. Information can fall into three zones of relevance - the specific subject domain, broad subject domain, or outside the domain but still tangentially related. When assessing relevance, one should understand their information need and scan different parts of research articles like the abstract, keywords, background, and conclusions to determine the subjects discussed. Database records and paper sections like the abstract and keywords can help identify the topics covered.

1. JUDGING RELEVANCE
BASED ON SUBJECT

2. Definition:
• Relevance:
• Refers to how well the item meets an information need
• Concerns aspects of relationship to the matter at hand or practicality a
• A decision on relevance is often not binary, but may instead be one of degree
• For example, an article may be marginally relevant or highly relevant, depending on need
• In judging relevance you must first understand the purpose behind your
information search
a “Relevance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/relevance.

3. Zones of
Relevance:
z Some items
outside the
subject domain
may contribute to
your research
topic.
• Information generally relates to your research topic by falling into
one of these three domains
Outside the Domain
Broad Domain
Specific
Subject
Domain

4. Examples
• Specific subject domain
Indices for sustainability of transportation systems
• Broad subject domain
Sustainable transportation systems
• Outside of domain/tangential to domain
Indices for sustainability of wastewater treatment systems

5. How to Navigate a Research Article:
• Different sections of a Research Article can
help you quickly find the information you
need to assess relevance
• Abstract
• Keywords
• Background
• Conclusions
• Methods
• More detail will be given as we proceed
Scan to Assess Subject Area
Study to Assess Credibility

6. Where to Find the Subjects Discussed in a Paper:
• Database Record:
• Subject tags are given to all
records in subscription
databases; note, however
that all such tags have some
level of subjectivity and also
reflect the general needs of
the audience for whom the
database was created –
which may be different than
your needs
[Record on right from Compendex]

7. Where to Find the Subjects Discussed in a Paper:
• Sections of the Paper:
• Abstract – a concise summary of what the paper is about
• Keywords – often authors supply keywords that describe main concepts

8. Where to Find the Subjects Discussed in a Paper:
• Sections of the Paper:
• Background – this frames the research and provides discussion of broad and
specific subject domains
• Conclusions – reiterates key findings and purpose of paper
Excerpts from: Jeon, C.M., & Amekudzi, A. (2005). Addressing Sustainability in transportation systems: Definitions, indicators, and metrics. Journal of Infrastructure Systems, 11(1), 31-50.

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