What is it?

The classificatory method consists of questioning the classifications of concepts related to the subject of study.

The method in a flash

Is classifying the same as grouping? Classifying is ordering or arranging something by classes, and a class / family is a set of elements with common characteristics. When we classify, each class / family is a category.

Grouping is gathering in a group, and a group is a plurality of beings or things that form a set. Therefore, grouping, gathering elements in groups, does not necessarily imply that the elements have common characteristics based on some criteria.
Is it the same to make categories as taxonomies? We understand taxonomies as classifications that group elements within previously defined categories, which may be contained within each other, with a hierarchy in the form of a tree, or they may have other relationships with each other. If a classification does not have a hierarchy, we consider it to be a classification but not a taxonomic classification.

What purposes does it serve us for?

Know how many different types of classifications exist in relation to the object of study.

Obtain information that allows us to start making comparisons, which we can then deliberately expand.

Clarify issues that were previously confusing or chaotic, so that we adapt to new knowledge.

In addition, the process of classifying helps us to understand attributes, characteristics and particularities of the observed reality, and relationships between different elements.

What results does it generate?

A classification own for the project, which structures the list of terms and definitions established through the lexical, semantic and conceptual method.

Un taxonomic map on more interesting types of classifications, which help us to understand the object of study.

THE CLASSIFICATION METHOD, STEP BY STEP

1

Collect a database with the maximum of existing classifications that can be applied to the subject of study.

2

Collect, if any, existing classifications that are specific to the study topic.

3

Decide the classification type that is necessary for the project: classification, taxonomic classification, thesaurus, ontology or knowledge graph.

4

Based on the possible classifications, and their criteria, decide which are the classifications that we will use for the project, with your criteria.

5

Applying these criteria, formulate the category list that will be part of the classification.

6

In case the classification type is a classification taxonomic, decide the hierarchical relationships between categories.

7

In case the type of classification is a thesaurus, decide the rest of relationships between categories, such as synonymy relationships or associative relationships.

8

In case the type of classification is a ontology, decide the rest of the rules for the categories, such as Parallel affiliations, obligations or incompatibilities.

9

In case the type of classification is a knowledge graph, which in addition to the categories also includes the elements, apply the categories to elements.

10

Finally, prepare a formal document with the classification, and represent on a concept map the elements and their relationships between them.

CONNECTIONS BETWEEN METHODS