Facet-Structure of Subjects: An Empirical Study of Concreteness and Predictability of Categories

Abstract

Facet analysis of subjects is found helpful for information storage and retrieval in libraries and information systems. However, such an analysis introduces chances for alternative interpretations of combinations of facets in a subject proposition. This variance in interpretation may be measured in relation to concreteness of the categories. The postulate of PMEST is empirically verified from this point of view. Further, a correlation between concreteness of category and its predictability is established on the basis of information theory. It is found that PMEST structure of subject-proposition reflects the direct correlation of concreteness and predictability.