Use of emycin to transform community-based sustainable urban planning survey data
Abstract
Use of the EMYCIN algorithms developed in early research on expert systems can be used to transform standard descriptive survey information into quantitative data that presents new information. The new data can be used to determine exact levels of approval or disapproval of community development proposals indicated in a one-number Index useful to compare and combine proposals for action to achieve high levels of community stakeholder approval. Descriptive survey responses from two opinion surveys were transformed using the EMYCIN technique into quantitative data, and results of the data transformation analyzed in comparison to results of the original descriptive survey data. The EMYCIN technique applies a logical “weighting” system to each category of response for closed-ended survey questions offering “Yes/No/Neutral” responses or offering responses formatted in a 5-point and 7-point rating scale. The weighting system is based on the logical and equal divisions of a scale from –1 to +1, with zero as the “Neutral” or inconclusive point. This weighting system takes the zero weight of “Neutral” and “Not Sure/No Answer” responses into consideration, so that every vote case is represented in the calculation of a single numerical (quantitative) Index for each survey question response. New information emerged from the data transformation. In the case of both surveys analyzed, new information emerged from calculation of the Range numbers, which proportionalize the total number of responses for each survey question to the number of “Neutral” and “Not Sure/No Answer” votes, and calculation of the Index numbers, which indicate the overall positive or negative weight of the total of responses for each survey question. The new information suggested that consultants’ reports of their interpretations of the original survey results were overly positive and general, and in some cases indicated higher levels of priority for an issue than was actually the case based on survey results. The potential usefulness of the Index numbers to community planners in creating new options for planning specific actions based on the opinions of survey takers through their raking, comparing and combining was shown.
Citation
Cleboski, Linda Diane (2008). Use of emycin to transform community-based sustainable urban planning survey data. Doctoral dissertation, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /191983.