Addressing Predicate Redundancy in Research Knowledge Graphs: Duplicate Detection, Resolution, and Prevention

Abstract

Research Knowledge Graphs (RKGs) enable the structured representation of scientific knowledge, but their weakly enforced schemas make them prone to inconsistencies, particularly in how predicates are defined and used. Duplicate predicates, i.e., distinct identifiers expressing the same or highly similar relationships, introduce semantic redundancy, hinder reuse, and reduce RKG quality. While prior work has addressed duplicate detection for downstream tasks such as query answering or schema alignment, predicate redundancy as a data quality challenge, remains underexplored, particularly in terms of resolution, prevention, and semi-automated curator support. In this paper, we propose a framework for managing duplicate predicates in RKGs that covers detection, resolution, and prevention. The framework combines automated similarity-based methods with human validation and is designed for integration into the lifecycle of evolving, crowdsourced RKGs. We implement the framework in the context of the Open Research Knowledge Graph (ORKG) by extending its existing curation dashboard SciKGDash with embedding-based clustering, interactive inspection, and resolution actions such as merging and deleting. We evaluate the framework on the ORKG, where clustering reveals that up to 30% of predicates are potentially redundant. The analysis also shows recurring modeling patterns that lead to predicate redundancy, user-induced duplication, inconsistent identifier usage, and a lack of standardization in predicate naming and usage. Our findings demonstrate that duplicate predicates arise from user behavior and interface design. Addressing this, requires combining automated methods with human-centered curation and preventive mechanisms. This work positions predicate redundancy as a central data quality challenge and provides a foundation for more systematic and proactive RKG curation.