F.3 Information theories Flashcards
Apply theoretical and conceptual frameworks to practice. (45 cards)
What is a theory?
A plausible or scientifically acceptable general principle or body of principles offered to explain phenomena
Definition from Merriam-Webster
What are the stages of theory development?
- A phenomenon is observed
- An idea is proposed
- Concepts are described
- A conceptual framework is developed
- Theories generate hypotheses
- Hypotheses are tested and evidence is accumulated
What is a framework?
A basic conceptional structure
Definition from Merriam-Webster
What are some reasons for using frameworks?
- Provides greater utility of common constructs
- Facilitates debate across settings
- Enables discovery of new knowledge
- Forms the basis of standards
- Leverages work done by others
- Specifies assumptions
True or False: Frameworks are reality and provide answers.
False
Frameworks are abstractions and tools, not reality.
How are theoretical and conceptual frameworks applied?
They are used to predict outcomes, and outcomes are used to reject, modify, or substantiate the frameworks.
What are the six scientific domains of health informatics?
- Health sciences
- Information sciences
- Computer sciences
- Leadership and management sciences
- Social and behavioural sciences
- Core health informatics principles and methods
What is systems theory?
The trans-disciplinary study of the abstract organisation of phenomena, investigating common principles and mathematical models
Definition from the Cambridge Dictionary of Philosophy
What distinguishes ‘hard’ systems from ‘soft’ systems?
- Hard systems: well-defined problems, optimisable solutions, technical factors predominate
- Soft systems: mental constructs, complex situations, lack of agreement among stakeholders
List the generic elements of a system.
- Inputs
- Processes
- Outputs
- Outcomes
- Operators
- Feedback mechanisms
What are inputs in a system?
Things put into a system or expended in its operation to generate output or a result.
What are outputs in a system?
Things generated by a system for defined purposes via processes.
Fill in the blank: _______ are the defined purposes of a system to which outputs contribute.
[Outcomes]
What is feedback in a system?
Communication between elements of a system focusing on performance to control future functioning.
What does multiplicity refer to in system environments?
The presence of other systems - competing, complementary, and neutral - that impact outcomes.
What is decomposition in the context of systems?
The process of dividing a system into sub-systems for manageable size and optimal utility.
What does coupling refer to in systems?
The strength with which sub-systems are connected.
What is cohesion in a system?
The extent to which system elements are associated in terms of function or content.
What are open systems?
Systems that allow interactions between their elements and their environment.
What are closed systems?
Systems that are isolated from their environment.
What is entropy in systems?
The measure of deterioration or depreciation that systems experience if not maintained.
What are emergent properties in systems?
Properties that arise from the operation of systems impacting their environment and vice versa.
Define complex adaptive systems.
A dynamic network of agents acting in parallel, constantly reacting to each other.
What are the characteristics of complex adaptive systems?
They consist of many elements and are influenced by interactions among agents.
