Applying multi-criteria approaches to ontology ranking: a comparison with AKTiveRank. (1st January 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Esposito, Alessandra; Tarricone, Luciano; Zappatore, Marco
• Is Part Of: International journal of metadata, semantics and ontologies. Volume 7:Number 3(2012)
• Page Start: 197
• Page End: 208
• Publication Date: 2012-01-01
• Subjects: ontology -- criterion-based ranking -- multi-criteria decisional analysis -- Electre methods; Metadata -- Periodicals; Semantic Web -- Periodicals; Ontologies (Information retrieval) -- Periodicals; Data structures (Computer science) -- Periodicals; Information theory -- Periodicals; 005.74
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-2621

Abstract

Recent years have seen a progressive spread of ontologies. This indicates the need for instruments for their evaluation and ranking. However, most of the developed algorithms are based on a single metric, thus focusing on a unique feature and neglecting other potentially meaningful aspects. Others perform a weighted aggregation of different metrics, thus resulting in poor tunability and sensitivity to measurement errors. In this context, we propose the adoption of general purpose and flexible multi-criteria decision analysis techniques which represent a total novelty for ontologies. Two methods belonging to the Electre family are presented: Electre I and Electre III. Both techniques are compared to the well-known AKTiveRank procedure, demonstrating their suitability for ontology ranking. The former best identifies the most promising candidates amongst a set of alternatives. The latter provides a set of tuning parameters for making thin ranking procedures.