Method and system for measuring the degree of coherence of nodes in a hierarchy. A hierarchy that includes a plurality of nodes is received. A plurality of training cases are also received. Based on these inputs, a measure of coherence is determined for at least one node D in the hierarchy. The determination of the measure of coherence includes evaluation of the training cases with at least one feature under a local environment of node D and evaluation of the training cases with at least one feature under a subtree of the node D.