Full Citation

Title: Representing Metadata with Intelligent Agents: An Initial Prototype

Citation Type: Miscellaneous

Publication Year: 1997

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Abstract: This paper moves away from old metaphors for social science data description to the metaphor of an active agent capable of taking the initiative to assist the user in selecting appropriate data sets and variables as well as framing problems so that they can be answered with the data. Why can't various elements of metadata be active agents capable of telling both users and computer programs that use the data important characteristics of the data, tailoring information to each user's needs, and learning from each user to evolve over time? This paper describes an integrated approach in which intelligent agents permit the user to issue broad queries delegating the details to the agent; case-based reasoning guides the user to relevant examples; machine learning permits successful queries to be added to the programs expanding knowledge base for help with future queries; and expert systems provide advice to the user on a range of issues. Two prototype modules implementing some of these capabilities are described and the utility of this approach is illustrated for the PDQ-Explore system for providing rapid intelligent access to the U.S. Bureau of the Census PUMS, IPUMS and Supersample data sets.

User Submitted?: No

Authors: Thompson, G.Alan; Anderson, Albert F.; Brent, Edward

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Data Collections: IPUMS USA

Topics: Other

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