Functions of a thesaurus, Humanities

Assignment Help:

Functions of a Thesaurus 

The major functions of a thesaurus include the following : 

a) it provides a standard vocabulary for a given subject field by exercising control on the vocabulary of terms used in an indexing language. Methods of controlling the vocabulary are: 

  1. out of all possible synonyms and quasi-synonyms, only one term is selected as a descriptor, 
  2. the scope of the meaning of the term is clearly indicated in a scope note for the best suitability of the selected meaning, 
  3. a definite rule is followed for compound terms, word-forms, number (singular/plural) and spellings are standardized, and 
  4. homonyms are differentiated by qualifiers;

b) it shows the intrinsic, semantic relationship existing between, terms, and thus provides system of references between terms; 

c) it helps the indexer and the searcher in the choice of preferred terms; 

d) it provides hierarchical display of terms so that a search can be broadened or narrowed systematically; 

e) it increases the speed of retrieval by use of indexing terms and search terms; and 

f) it provides a map of a 'given subject field, which helps to understand the structure of the field. 


Related Discussions:- Functions of a thesaurus

Pre-literate japanese culture, Pre-literate Japanese Culture Jomon ( ...

Pre-literate Japanese Culture Jomon ( 11-3 rd century BCE.) Comes from the word "rope-patterns." Much of pottery from this period included rope patterns. Not very polished/s

Factors governing subject indexing systems, Factors Governing Subject Index...

Factors Governing Subject Indexing Systems   There are many factors that govern the design of subject heading systems. Some of the more important ones are:  content analy

Geographical sources, Geographical Sources The geographical sources ar...

Geographical Sources The geographical sources are a category of reference books that help in answering queries connected to places. They give  information like description an

Appoaches to war.., This diversity should be seen as a source of hope, not ...

This diversity should be seen as a source of hope, not discouragement. After all, it would be absurd to think that anything as complex as war could be ‘explained’ in a single, sim

Compare and contrast reconstructionism- progressivism, 1. What measures wou...

1. What measures would you recommend for reforming and restructuring the public schools?  Explain.  2. Discuss the contributions of one of the following individua

Reference bibliographies, Reference bibliographies The subject bibliog...

Reference bibliographies The subject bibliographies which are mostly used for reference fall into this category. These bibliographies are considered to be exhaustive bibliogra

Renaissance, complete internet search for a woman who made significant cont...

complete internet search for a woman who made significant contributions to the renaissance or baroque era (for example sophonisba, Anguissola or Artemisia Gentileschi)

Canadian politics, Canadian Politics- In one sense, the Constitution of Can...

Canadian Politics- In one sense, the Constitution of Canada is extremely old and in the other sense, this is new.The Constitution Act of 1867 formerly termed as the British North A

Data elements in added entries, Data Elements in Added Entries   When U...

Data Elements in Added Entries   When Unit Card System is followed, the added entries also carry the same data elements as in the main entry. But in addition, the added entry e

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd