Multi-aspectual knowledge elicitation

Winfield, MJ

Abstract

This work examines one of the major stumbling blocks of knowledge based systems
development, namely knowledge elicitation. The challenge is a fundamental one of
eliciting knowledge from domain experts including tacit knowledge.
This thesis argues that, in the past, knowledge elicitation has been limited since
elicitation has been performed from one or a limited number of aspects. A method is
needed to assist in providing a pluralistic approach to knowledge elicitation that will
aid multi-aspectual viewpoints of the domain knowledge to be elicited. MAKE
(Multi-Aspectual Knowledge Elicitation) is such a pluralistic method. Using the
work of Herman Dooyeweerd (1955) MAKE is developed from a sound
philosophical basis.
Two levels of knowledge are elicited using MAKE. The method starts by building a
top-level knowledge map that covers all of the knowledge aspects and provides an
overview of the domain. Such an overview determines the complexity of the domain
allowing a knowledge based systems developer to see the effects of taking a
minimalist approach to the development; that is the top-level map may be used to
help define the scope of a system. The second level involves detailed knowledge
elicitation. Using a process of abstraction, the concepts defined in each aspect are
refined to a sufficiently detailed level to enable a system to be built. The resulting
knowledge forms an ontological view of the domain knowledge.
The empirical work adopting a case study approach has demonstrated that:
MAKE can be used by people who are not necessarily versed in artificial intelligence
techniques or in the philosophy of Dooyeweerd. MAKE has shown itself to be adaptable across a very varied set of domains
MAKE is adaptable and useful for eliciting tacit knowledge.
It is argued that MAKE indicates a change of direction from methods that are
currently in use.

Citation

Winfield, M. Multi-aspectual knowledge elicitation. (Thesis). Salford : University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 3, 2012
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2000