Categorisation

Also known as information classification:  this term is used to describe the process in which information is grouped together. Large amounts of information are placed into groups whereas smaller sections may be placed into sub groups or ‘clusters’.

Something which is categorised implies that it has very similar properties to another. Several pieces of information which have a relationship with each other can be grouped together to form a category.

A category or class denotes a grouping in which all members share the same characteristics.

The process of categorisation is used to separate differing types of information so that they might be better understood. This makes it easier to read and absorb. So, information can be sorted and arranged into groups to suggest difference (several types of groups) or combined together to form one big group which share the same characteristics.