POPSI relies on several postulates to structure the indexing system:

(A). Basic Sequence

(B). Source Organizing Classification

(C). Associative Classification

(D). Systematic Grouping

The Correct answer is A, B, C and D.

Key Points

• POPSI-
  • It stands for "Postulate-based Permuted Subject Indexing (POPSI)".
  • G. Bhattacharyya developed the POPSI through logical interpretation of the deep structure of subject indexing language (SIL) in 1980.
  • It prescribes the use of apparatus words – such as prepositions, conjunctions, participles, etc. when necessary.
  • It is built around fundamental theoretical ideas on classification, not on a specific classification system like class numbers.
  • It is based on Ranganathan’s General Theory of Library Classification.

Theoretical Foundations

• POPSI is grounded in the General Theory of Subject Indexing Language (SIL) and focuses on analyzing subjects and structuring subject names.
• It is based on a set of five Elementary Categories:
  • Discipline (D): Conventional fields of study, such as Physics, Chemistry, or Physical Sciences.
  • Entity (E): Concrete or conceptual manifestations, like Energy, Light, or Environment.
  • Action (A): Concepts of "doing," such as Function, Migration, or Education.
  • Property (P): Qualitative or quantitative attributes, such as Capacity, Efficiency, or Power.
  • Modifier (M): Qualifies other categories without altering their core meaning, e.g., Infectious disease.

Key Features and Postulates:

• POPSI relies on several postulates to structure the indexing system:
  • Basic Sequence: The order of Discipline (D), followed by Entity (E), with optional Action (A) and Property (P). This sequence can form compound subject propositions.
  • Source Organizing Classification: Organizing subject terms in a basic modulated chain with interpolated superordinates for classification.
  • Associative Classification: Permutation of terms to generate associative relationships between them, facilitating subject classification.
  • Systematic Grouping: The use of notational representations for modulated chains enables a systematic and alphabetical arrangement for efficient indexing.