Processes and Techniques

The Processes and Techniques hierarchy contains descriptors for actions and methods performed physically on or with materials and objects, and for processes occurring in materials and objects. Included are types of process or technique pertaining to the production and handling of objects or images (e.g., assembling) or of substances (e.g., mixing) or relevant to the manipulation and processing of specific materials (e.g., soldering). Also included are descriptors for processes that occur in substances, artifacts, or other objects, sometimes initiated intentionally and sometimes occurring spontaneously (e.g., burning).Relation to Other Hierarchies: Descriptors for organizational, administrative, or intellectual activities conducted to accomplish specific purposes (e.g., analysis), including descriptors relating to the collecting of objects and various other professional activities (e.g., collections management), are found in the Functions hierarchy. Descriptors that designate branches of learning (e.g., anthropology) are found in the Disciplines hierarchy, while the processes and techniques associated with these fields are contained here. Descriptors for physical and mental actions not performed to manipulate materials or fabricate objects (e.g.g., running, meditation) are placed in the Physical and Mental Activities hierarchy. Certain descriptors that refer to degenerative forces on materials or structures (e.g., stress) are found in the Associated Concepts hierarchy. Descriptors for certain effects caused by processes occurring in materials and objects (e.g., cracks) appear in the Conditions and Effects hierarchy.