Research Reports from the Department of Operations

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

9-30-1957

Abstract

An important factor in the determination of an optimal information-collection procedure is the observational error that occurs in the information-collection process. Until recently, information-collection theory has generally assumed either that observational error is irrelevant, or that observational error is not a function of the resources expended in making the observation. However, more recent developments in the theory have included the observational error factor. This paper demonstrates one method that might be used in evaluating observational error, and considers how to determine the variation of observational error with the resources expended. The feasibility of determining observational error is discussed in detail, and an example of a feasibility study is given.

Keywords

Operations research, Information theory, Errors, Automatic data collection systems, Research--Methodology, Information resources management, Sampling (Statistics), Experimental design

Publication Title

Technical Memorandums from the Department of Operations, School of Management, Case Western Reserve University

Issue

Technical memorandum no. 4

Rights

This work is in the public domain and may be freely downloaded for personal or academic use

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