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

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

3. 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 Presenters @ IASSIST 2006

4. 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

5. 24 May 2006 / IASSIST 5 Current Definitions ISO/IEC 2382-1: Information technology - Vocabulary, Part 1: Fundamental terms –"Reinterpretable representation of information in a formalized manner suitable for communication, interpretation, or processing."

6. 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 http://wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=data."[1] http://wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=data

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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 Gillman.Daniel@BLS.Gov –Frank Farance Frank@Farance.Com