When duplicate knowledge comes from different sources or perspectives, it can also bring different pieces of information but within the same specific topic or scope of interest. By creating a design to merge these two pieces of information together, it creates a more cohesive definition or knowledge entry that encompases more than viewpoint.

Mechanisms to merge duplicate entries together in online communities

Using moderation tools or policies that flag, delete, or merge duplicate entries and notify the users who created them.

For example, the following screenshot is from StackOverflow.

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- Using a search function
- Providing suggestions or recommendations of similar or related entries
- Showing warnings or alerts
- Using moderation tools or policies
- Mechanisms to merge duplicate entries together
- Developing social norms that prevent or discourage duplicate entries
- Rewarding users who contribute original entries

Stack Overflow's Solutions to Duplicate Knowledge Entities in Online Communities

Using a search function that allows users to find existing entries that match their keywords or queries. If users are aware of the duplicate entries, it is less likely for them to submit them again.

For example, the following screenshot is from StackOverflow.


Using a search function to prevent duplicate contributions in online communities

Showing warnings or alerts when users try to create duplicate entries that already exist in the community database.

For example, the following screenshot is from StackOverflow.

Showing warnings or alerts to prevent duplicate contributions in online communities

Using moderation tools or policies to prevent duplicate contributions in online communities

Creating a reward system around how duplicate entries are eliminated or prevented can help discourage users from developing them in the first place. For example, with a voting system, users collectively vote if a piece of information was already cited in a previous piece of information, and therefore would vote to eliminate the second duplicating piece. When users understand that their contributions could be eliminated from this, they may be less likely to contribute duplicate knowledge and more likely to search through the existing knowledge. Additionally, creating a mechanism that rewards users from voting on other users' nodes can help with regulating the quality of the information and ensure that everyone is participating in this regulatory act.

Rewarding users who contribute entries

Types of social norms that can discourage duplicate entries:
- encouraging collaboration 
- promoting citations/citing all information
- rewarding quality over quantity
- providing transparency or clarity

Developing social norms that prevent or discourage duplicate entries in online communities

Providing suggestions or recommendations of similar or related entries that users can check before posting their own.

For example, the following screenshot is from StackOverflow.

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