User:DePiep/classification rules (YBG)

Criteria for categorization (the so-called "YBG rules")

[1] These criteria were originally summarized as a part of the long discussion about categorizing nonmetals, but I believe they are just as easily applied to any categorization effort.

I first added these three points in April 2013 in a discussion later archived here:

1. Clear. The criterion for division should be easily explained

2. Unambiguous. It should be (relatively) obvious which category each element fits into

3. Meaningful. The categories should have significance more than just dividing for the sake of dividing.

There should be enough within-group similarity and enough between-group dissimilarity so that each group could be the subject of a separate encyclopedia article

In November 2013, User:Sandbh (in a discussion archived here) named these the 'YBG rules', but I think they were really just summarizing the thoughts of others. Other criteria mentioned in that discussion, not previously summarized, include these:

4. Referenced. Categories and their names are supported by reliable sources

5. Specific. Catch-all, none-of-the-above terms like 'Other X' are avoided (unless properties are not sufficiently known)

6. Unique. The categories are mutually exclusive (a bit stronger than Unambiguous)

7. Complete. The categories are jointly exhaustive (a bit stronger than Specific)’

I am writing this here to have it for reference and perhaps application in other areas. User:YBG ( 07:47, 6 December 2013 (UTC)

Added links to original edits. User:YBG 07:23, 22 August 2016 (UTC)