LAB 5: DEFINING CATEGORIES
[pdf version]

GOALS

1. To gain first hand experience with creating a categorization system including defining categories, specifying the relationship among categories, and developing a controlled vocabulary.

OVERVIEW

In this lab, you will work in groups of 4-5 to develop a categorization system for a bunch of “stuff” (e.g., a collection of pens, refrigerator magnets, bookmarks, etc.).  Your categorization system should include well-defined categories, relationships among the categories, and controlled vocabulary.

HOW TO PROCEED

1. Form a group with 5-6 people.

2. Get a bag of “stuff”.

3. Look at the items in your bag of “stuff”.  Brainstorm different ways to organize the items and record each suggestion.  Note: The purpose of the brainstorming phase is to generate as many different sorts of ideas as possible.  To create a comfortable and productive environment for people to put forth new ideas, all ideas should be accepted without comment or criticism.

4. Now evaluate the ideas you’ve generated.  Consider which of the proposed categorization systems would work best if you expected many different people with different purposes to use your system.  Choose the categorization system that you think will be most effective.  Record your reasons for why you have decided upon this option.

5. Once you have settled on a categorization system, fill in the details.  Carefully define each of the categories, describe the relationships among the categories (e.g., any hierarchical relationships), and develop a controlled vocabulary for each category.  Note: There should be exactly one path to each category in your hierarchy and each item should fit into exactly one category.  No polyhierarchies.

6. When you have completed your categorization system, request some “test” items.  See how well your categorization system can accommodate these new items.  Does your categorization system place the items in reasonable categories?  Or do some items not fit?  Based on these new items, what ideas do you have for modifying your categorization system?

7. Evaluate how well your system aids in finding the items asked for in the test questions.  What kinds of requests could your system handle?

8. Prepare a 2-3 page write-up that includes (a) brief description of the categorization systems you brainstormed in the beginning, (b) your detailed categorization system including the categories, relationship among the categories, and the controlled vocabulary (be sure to specify your controlled vocabulary), (c) a description of what happened when you tried to categorize new items with your system and any modifications you would make to your categorization system based on this new “data”, and (d) an analysis of how well your system handled the test questions, and for what other kinds of requests it would be useful.

WHAT TO TURN IN AT THE BEGINNING OF LAB NEXT WEEK

Turn in a hard copy of your 2-3 page write-up.  You may also email the write-up to me at nfreier@u.washington.edu.  You may do your write-up as a group or individually.