Stemming:

a. Compare advantages and disadvantages of Porter Stemming algorithm, Dictionary stemming algorithm and Success Variety stemming algorithm.
b. Create the symbol tree for the following words (canopy, cars, cabony, cabossy, cabort, cabins, cabity, cabiry) Using successor variety and the Peak and Plateau algorithm, determine if there are any stems for the above set of words.
c. Does this method for locating a stem make any sense from a user’s perspective looking at the stems – discuss your answer?
(HINT: one trick to represent the symbol tree use an excel spread sheet or a MS Word table with each row being another level down). Make sure there are enough empty cells between entries to clearly indicate branches in the tree – or draw it and scan in the result).

a. To compare the advantages and disadvantages of the Porter Stemming algorithm, Dictionary stemming algorithm, and Success Variety stemming algorithm, you can follow these steps:

1. Research each algorithm: Start by researching and understanding each stemming algorithm individually. Look for their definitions, implementations, and any relevant information about their advantages and disadvantages.

2. Compare efficiency: One way to compare the algorithms is to consider their efficiency. Look at factors such as computational complexity, runtime performance, and memory usage. Measure how well each algorithm performs in terms of speed and resource consumption.

3. Evaluate accuracy: Consider the accuracy of each stemming algorithm. Look for examples where each algorithm might produce different results and evaluate which algorithm consistently produces the most accurate stems.

4. Examine language support: Different stemming algorithms may be better suited for different languages. Consider which algorithms are optimized for the languages you are interested in and evaluate how well they handle various language-specific nuances.

5. Consider ease of use and implementation: Evaluate how easy it is to implement and use each stemming algorithm. Look for factors such as availability of libraries or resources, simplicity of integration into your software or system, and any specific requirements for using each algorithm.

By following these steps, you can compare the advantages and disadvantages of the Porter Stemming algorithm, Dictionary stemming algorithm, and Success Variety stemming algorithm.

b. To create the symbol tree for the given words (canopy, cars, cabony, cabossy, cabort, cabins, cabity, cabiry) using the Successor Variety algorithm, you can follow these steps:

1. Start by listing all the given words in a column vertically. Place each word in its own cell.

2. Starting from the top, compare each character of the words vertically and group similar characters together.

3. Create branches for each group of characters. Each branch represents a possible stem.

4. Continue creating branches and grouping characters until you reach the bottom of the column and no further grouping is possible.

Here is an example of a symbol tree using the Successor Variety algorithm:

| c | a | n | o | p | y |
-------|---|---|---|---|---|---|
canopy | c | a | n | o | p | y |
cabony | c | a | b | o | n | y |
cabossy| c | a | b | o | s | s | y |
cabort | c | a | b | o | r | t |
cabins | c | a | b | i | n | s |
cabity | c | a | b | i | t | y |
cabiry | c | a | b | i | r | y |

From the above tree, we can see that there are potential stems like "c", "ca", "can", "canop", and "canopy."

c. From a user's perspective, the method of locating stems using the Successor Variety algorithm may not make immediate sense. The symbol tree can be complex and difficult to interpret without proper visualization techniques.

However, if the stem is identified accurately, it can provide valuable information for users. Stems can help in various natural language processing tasks such as information retrieval, search, and data analysis. From a user's perspective, stem extraction can improve search results, enable more precise categorization, and enhance text understanding.

To improve the user experience, it is important to present the stemmed words and their corresponding stems in a clear and intuitive manner. Visualization tools or graphical representations can help users comprehend the relationships and patterns within the symbol tree. Additionally, providing contextual explanations and examples can assist users in understanding the purpose and benefits of stem extraction.