An Approach to Validation of Knowledge Acquisition

Abstract

Knowledge results from knowledge acquisition activities, it is created through iterative communication, interpretation and validation activities. Quality control of these activities means validation of the knowledge acquisition process. Validation of knowledge acquisition can be approached through conceptual and elicita-tion validation. Conceptual models are achieved through introspection from human mental models. Conceptual models are transformed through analysis and communication to knowledge models, models of conceptual models. Knowledge models can further be formalized and operationalized to computational models of knowledge. Domain knowledge evolution perspective, as well as life-cycle view to the development of knowledge based systems, emphasize the need for validation of knowledge acquisition. Especially in medicine domain knowledge accumulation and changes in clinical practices cause changes in the basis of conceptual and knowledge models. Validation at and between these modelling operations provides justifications for the next phases in the development and helps to manage the changes caused by evolution in domain knowledge and users environments.