Comparison Between Query-Based and Example-Based Classification 

Query-Based Classification

For query-based classification, the categories of the query-based taxonomy are defined using search queries in the first step. In the second step, the documents are classified into categories according to these queries. Defining categories using search requests has certain advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

·        It is easier for a user to see why a document has been assigned to a certain category.

·        The categories can be defined by document content as well as by metadata (document properties such as file name, author, or creation date).

Disadvantages

·        The hierarchical structure of the categories has to be created and maintained manually. This takes both experience and time.

·        In contrast to example-based classification, documents can not be assigned to the categories on a gradual scale according to the degree of similarity.

Example-Based Classification

For example-based classification, the categories of the example-based taxonomy are defined using example documents in the first step. In the second step, documents are classified by comparing them with these example documents. Defining categories using example documents has certain advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

·        It is often easier to specify concrete example document that to give abstract rules as is the case for query-based classification.

·        Documents can be assigned to categories on a gradual scale according to the degree of similarity. This checks how well a document fits into particular categories.

·        The classification process develops itselfs continually as it adapts to further example documents that arrive in the taxonomy.

Disadvantages

·        Example-based classification does not work for categories that can only be defined by metadata (document properties).

·        The behavior of example-based classification can be difficult to understand at first.

See also

What Does Query-Based Classification Mean?

What is a Query-Based Taxonomy?

What Does Example-Based Classification Mean?

What is an Example-Based Taxonomy?