Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives At the completion of this subject students should understand and be able to apply a range of knowledge elicitation techniques; be able to evaluate knowledge elicitation techniques according to the characteristics of the problem domain and expert involved; and be able to represent the knowledge elicited in an appropriate software form.
Synopsis This subject provides a grounding in knowledge-engineering techniques, particularly knowledge acquisition and validation of knowledge-based systems. Methodologies for KBS: conceptualisation, formalisation, implementation stages; prototyping versus phased methodologies; diagramming techniques for conceptualisation. Knowledge acquisition: knowledge elicitation and knowledge representation stages. Techniques for knowledge elicitation: interviewing and related verbal techniques, evaluation of verbal techniques from the perspective of cognitive science, knowledge elicitation techniques developed from personal-construct psychology, knowledge induction techniques; evaluation of the role of various knowledge elicitation techniques. Knowledge-based verification and validation: `the public image and private reality' of validation; content validation; development, standards and practice.
Assessment Written (3000 words): 50% + Practical: 50%