U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics The Nature of Data Frank Farance Farance, Inc Daniel W. Gillman US Bureau of Labor Statistics

24 May 2006 / IASSIST 2 Overview Terminology Theory Some Current Definitions Data –Equality for Concepts –Value –Datum Conclusion

24 May 2006 / IASSIST 3 Terminology Theory Object = perceivable or conceivable The presenter Property = an observation Presenter has blue-gray eyes Characteristic = abstraction of properties of objects People have eye color Concept = unique combination of characteristics IASSIST 2006

24 May 2006 / IASSIST 4 Terminology Theory Designation = association of sign with concept Dan Gillman Intension = sum of characteristic Bipedal, upright, primate, large brain Extension = set of corresponding objects People attending IASSIST 2006 Prototyping –Women, Fire, and Dangerous Things – Lakoff –Nearness –Table

24 May 2006 / IASSIST 5 Current Definitions ISO/IEC : Information technology - Vocabulary, Part 1: Fundamental terms –"Reinterpretable representation of information in a formalized manner suitable for communication, interpretation, or processing."

24 May 2006 / IASSIST 6 Current Definitions WordNet on-line dictionary definition –"Collection of facts from which conclusions may be drawn (WordNet[1]) [1] WordNet on-line dictionary (for the term "data") at

24 May 2006 / IASSIST 7 Concept with Equality Equal Concepts? –Equal Intensions and Extensions? –Valid UPC codes –Nearness Equality for Concepts –Equal Intension with Extension Determined Consistently –Gregorian Calendar Months of the Year

24 May 2006 / IASSIST 8 Values Value := Concept with consistently determined extension –Five –Male Values imply partitions –Five and not Five –Male and not Male

24 May 2006 / IASSIST 9 Datum Datum := Designation of a Value –M for Male –F for Female –5 for Five –A for the first letter of the Latin alphabet Inexactness and Measurement error –Value –Prototyping

24 May 2006 / IASSIST 10 Conclusion New Definition –Datum := Designation of a concept with consistently determined extension –Answers the question – What is data? –Dan Gillman –Frank Farance