A comparison of assigned descriptors and title keywords of dissertations in the Iranian dissertation database

Abstract

Purpose

This paper examines the relative effectiveness of title keywords and assigned subject descriptors in representing the content of theses in various subject areas indexed in the Iranian Dissertations Database.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted by the content analysis research method.

Findings

This research made a number of useful insights, such as a pattern of significant differences among the average number of keywords in the title in different subject areas. It also showed that 67 percent of the assigned descriptors are derived from the title keywords and that the relative recall for searches by title keywords is 44 per cent, while the relative recall for searches by subject descriptors is 56 per cent.

Research limitations/implications

Although this investigation concentrates on a very specific database (the Iranian Dissertations database), its findings are offered in the wider context of a number of other related studies.

Practical implications

It can be concluded that searching by subject descriptors gives better results than searching by title keywords.

Originality/value

The paper reaffirms the value of assigned subject descriptors, while noting the effectiveness of title keywords in certain contexts.

Citation

Reza Davarpanah, M. and Iranshahi, M. (2005), "A comparison of assigned descriptors and title keywords of dissertations in the Iranian dissertation database", Library Review, Vol. 54 No. 6, pp. 375-384. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242530510605502