Concept of Vocabularies, Its Uses and why we need to use controlled vocabularies in creating databases

1. Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

2. Controlled Vocabulary?
A controlled vocabulary is an organized arrangement of words and phrases
used to index and/or to retrieve content through browsing or searching.
Controlled vocabularies provide a way to organize knowledge for subsequent
retrieval.
They are used in subject indexing schemes, subject
headings, thesauri, taxonomies and other knowledge organization systems.
Controlled vocabulary schemes mandate the use of predefined, authorised
terms that have been preselected by the designers of the schemes, in contrast to
natural language vocabularies, which have no such restriction.
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

3. Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

4. ?
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

5. • One thing is clear that there are high chances
of variability in the answers. This is the main
issue in the usage of Natural Language.
• The use of Natural Language paves way for
uncontrolled vocabulary wherein a number of
terms can be drawn for describing the same
contents of the document.
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

6. • Besides a Natural Language consists of a number of synonyms, quasi
synonyms, homonyms, acronyms, ambiguous terms etc.
• Hence, if vocabulary control is not exercised, different indexers or the same
indexer might use different terms for the same concept on different
occasions for indexing the documents dealing with the same subject and also
use a different set of terms for representing the same subject at the time of
searching.
• This, in turn, would result in a 'mis-match' and thus affect information
retrieval.
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

7. Advantages of controlled vocabularies
Increases the probability that both indexer and searcher will express a particular
concept in the same way.
Increases the probability that the same term will be used by different indexers or
by the same indexer at different times.
Help users to focus their thoughts when they approach the information system
without a full and precise realization of what information they need.
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

8. Types of controlled vocabularies:
CV
SUBJECT
HEADING
ONTOLOGIES
THESAURUS
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

9. Subject heading list
• Subject heading list has been defined as a word or group of words indicating a subject
under which all materials dealing with same theme is entered in a catalogue or
bibliography, or is arranged in a file.
• SHL depends on a master list of terms that can be assigned to documents. Such a master
list of terms is called `List of Subject Headings'.
• A list of subject headings contains the subject access terms (preferred terms) to be used
in the cataloguing or indexing operation at hand.
• When there are synonymous terms for a given subject, these terms are included in the
list as these direct the searcher to the preferred terms for the subject.
• The links from non-preferred terms are called "see" references, and the links to related
terms are called "see also" reference.
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

10. Thesaurus
• A thesaurus in terms of functions is a terminological control device used in
translating from the natural language of documents, into a more
constrained `system language' (documentation language)
• In terms of structure, "a thesaurus is a controlled and dynamic vocabulary
of semantically and generically related terms which covers a specific
domain of knowledge"
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

11. • .
Ontology
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

12. Example of Ontology
Red Gold
The apple I like
to eat
Pome fruits are members
of the plant family
Rosaceae, sub-family
pomoideae.
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

13. Website Evaluation
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

14. Introduction
• The advent of web 2.0 has made it possible for anyone to publish web pages.
• The quantity of information distributed today on the Internet, especially
through the World Wide Web, is rising much more quickly than the quantity
of information available through other mass media.
• However, keep in mind that just because a website is well presented does not
mean that it contains accurate information.
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

15. Why Evaluate a Website?
• Most websites have not undergone through any review process for inclusion in a
collection, whereas the resources in the Library’s subscription databases have.
• Just as we do not like or believe everything we read in the newspapers, see on TV, or
hear on the radio, we cannot like or believe everything on the Internet.
• Consequently, it is necessary to critically assess the quality of websites and to
determine the extent to which they meet our needs/ requirements.
• Both notions of “information” and “quality” have become broader and broader over
the years.
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

16. How to Evaluate a website?
Evaluating criteria
• 5 Parameters (CRAAP) and (PAACO)
• 6 parameters (APCCOA)
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

17. CRAAP
• The CRAAP Test was created by Sarah Blakeslee, of the University of California
at Chico's Meriam Library.
• The CRAAP is an acronym which stands for:
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

18. • Currency relates to the timeliness of the resources
– When was the information published or posted?
– Has the information been revised or updated?
– Is it important to have current information, or will older sources work as
well?
– Are all the links working?
• Relevance relates to the importance of the information
– Does the information relate to your research or answer your question?
– Is the information at an appropriate level, i.e., not too simple or too
advanced for your needs?
– Have you looked at a range of sources to be able to judge that this sources
is relevant?
– Are you comfortable citing this as a reputable source for your research
paper?
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

19. • Authority relates to the source of the information
– Who is the author/publisher/source/?
– What are the author's/organisation's credentials?
– Is the source trustworthy or qualified to write on the subject?
– Is there contact information and is it easy find out more about the
author/organisation?
– If it is a website, what does the URL (.com .ac .gov .org .net) say about
the source?
• Accuracy relates to the reliability of the resource
– Where does the information come from?
– Is the information supported by correct evidence?
– Can you verify any of the information in another reliable source?
– Does the language or tone seem balanced, unbiased and free from errors?
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

20. • Purpose relates to the reason the information exists
– What is the purpose of the information? (i.e. inform, argue, teach, sell,
entertain, persuade)?
– Is the purpose clear and the point of view impartial or are there biases?
– Is the information fact, opinion, or propaganda?
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

21. Here is an Example of a Spoof Website
This site is a little more tricky; it's an example of a website with entirely fake
information, but designed to look as if it's legit. A quick glance at the home
page makes it seem like any other research hospital, but having a closer look
makes the things clear.
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

22. Have a look at the website homepage!!
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

23. Examine the url
I tried to explore the following links!!
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24. All I found was this
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

25. Evaluating this website through CRAAP
• CURRENCY - there is no copyright date apparent on the website
• RELEVANCE - the content appears to be written for potential patients
• AUTHORITY - the website relies on its self-proclaimed research hospital status
as its authority; it is affiliated with a medical school that, according to Google,
doesn't exist; and the only contact information is an address that Google Maps
cannot find, and an online form that doesn't state to whom it is sent.
• ACCURACY - though it appears unbiased with accurate spelling and grammar,
all the information about the hospital, its staff and its research is stated without
any references at all; many of the links are not functioning
• PURPOSE - the site's purpose appears to highlight its so-called medical
breakthroughs, but the content reveals this site to be an entertaining hoax
• Conclusion - this is NOT a valid website to use in scholarly research
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

26. PAACO
• Purpose and intended audience
• Authority and credibility
• Accuracy and reliability
• Currency and timeliness
• Objectivity or bias
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

27. Purpose and intended audience
• What is the purpose of the source? For example:
– To provide information (e.g., newspaper articles)
– To persuade or advocate (e.g., editorials or opinion pieces)
– To entertain (e.g., a viral video)
– To sell a product or service (e.g., advertising or marketing materials
on a company website)
• Who is the intended audience? For example:
– Scholars and academic researchers with specialized knowledge
– The general public (without specialized knowledge)
– Students in high school, college or university (e.g., textbooks for
students learning a new subject).
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

28. • Who is the author?
– Is it a person?
– Is it an organization such as a government agency, nonprofit organization, or a
corporation?
• What are the qualifications of the author?
– What is the author's occupation, experience, or educational background?
– Does the author have any subject matter expertise?
– Is the author affiliated with an organization such as a university, government agency,
nonprofit organization, or a corporation?
• Who is the publisher?
– For books, is it a university press or a commercial publisher? These types of publishers
use editors in order to ensure a quality publication.
– For journals or magazines, can you tell if it is popular or scholarly in nature? See: Peer-
reviewed, popular magazine, or journal?
– For websites, is it an organizational website, or a personal blog?
Authority and credibility
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

29. Is the information well researched?
• Are there references (e.g., citations, footnotes, or a bibliography) to sources that
will provide evidence for the claims made?
• If the source includes facts or statistical data, can this information be verified in
another source?
• If the data was gathered using original research (such as polling or surveys), what
was the method of data collection? Has the author disclosed the validity or
reliability of the data?
Accuracy and reliability
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

30. Currency and timeliness
• When was the information published?
– For books and articles - you should be able to easily verify the
publication date.
– For websites, try to determine the date the web page was created or
updated
• Is current information required? If not, then accurate, yet
historical, information may still be acceptable.
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

31. Objectivity or bias
• Does the source contain opinions or facts?
• Is the information presented in the source objective (unbiased) or subjective (biased)?
• Does the information promote a political, religious, or social agenda?
• Is advertising content (usually found in business magazines or newspapers) clearly
labelled?
• In Summary
• Does the source provide you with high-quality information? Is the information useful
in answering your questions and meeting your information need?
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

32. APCCOA
1. Authority
2. Purpose
3. Coverage
4. Currency
5. Objectivity
6. Accuracy
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

33. AUTHORITY
Authority reveals that the person, institution or agency responsible for a site has the
qualifications and knowledge to do so. Evaluating a web site for authority:
• Authorship: It should be clear who developed the site.
• Contact information should be clearly provided: e-mail address, snail mail address,
phone number, and fax number.
• Credentials: the author should state qualifications, credentials, or personal
background that gives them authority to present information.
• Check to see if the site supported by an organization or a commercial body
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

34. PURPOSE
The purpose of the information presented in the site should be clear. Some sites are meant
to inform, persuade, state an opinion, entertain, or parody something or someone.
Evaluating a web site for purpose:
• Does the content support the purpose of the site?
• Is the information geared to a specific audience (students, scholars, general reader)?
• Is the site organized and focused?
• Are the outside links appropriate for the site?
• Does the site evaluate the links?
• Check the domain of the site. The URL may indicate its purpose.
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

35. COVERAGE
It is difficult to assess the extent of coverage since depth in a site, through the use of
links, can be infinite. One author may claim comprehensive coverage of a topic while
another may cover just one aspect of a topic. Evaluating a web site for coverage:
• Does the site claim to be selective or comprehensive?
• Are the topics explored in depth?
• Compare the value of the site’s information compared to other similar sites.
• Do the links go to outside sites rather than its own?
• Does the site provide information with no relevant outside links?
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

36. CURRENCY
Currency of the site refers to:
1) how current the information presented is
2) how often the site is updated or maintained.
It is important to know when a site was created, when it was last updated, and if all of
the links are current.
Evaluating a web site for currency involves finding the date information was:
• first written
• placed on the web
• last revised
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

37. OBJECTIVITY
Objectivity of the site should be clear. Beware of sites that contain bias or do not admit its
bias freely. Objective sites present information with a minimum of bias. Evaluating a web
site for objectivity:
• Is the information presented with a particular bias?
• Does the information try to sway the audience?
• Does site advertising conflict with the content?
• Is the site trying to explain, inform, persuade, or sell something?
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon

38. ACCURACY
There are few standards to verify the accuracy of information on the web. It is the
responsibility of the reader to assess the information presented. Evaluating a web site for
accuracy:
• Reliability: Is the author affiliated with a known, respectable institution?
• References: do statistics and other factual information receive proper references as to
their origin?
• Does the reading you have already done on the subject make the information seem
accurate?
• Is the information comparable to other sites on the same topic?
• Does the text follow basic rules of grammar, spelling and composition?
• Is a bibliography or reference list included?
Dr. Irfan ul Haq Akhoon