192,263 research outputs found
General combination rules for qualitative and quantitative beliefs
Martin and Osswald \cite{Martin07} have recently proposed many
generalizations of combination rules on quantitative beliefs in order to manage
the conflict and to consider the specificity of the responses of the experts.
Since the experts express themselves usually in natural language with
linguistic labels, Smarandache and Dezert \cite{Li07} have introduced a
mathematical framework for dealing directly also with qualitative beliefs. In
this paper we recall some element of our previous works and propose the new
combination rules, developed for the fusion of both qualitative or quantitative
beliefs
An introduction to DSmT
The management and combination of uncertain, imprecise, fuzzy and even
paradoxical or high conflicting sources of information has always been, and
still remains today, of primal importance for the development of reliable
modern information systems involving artificial reasoning. In this
introduction, we present a survey of our recent theory of plausible and
paradoxical reasoning, known as Dezert-Smarandache Theory (DSmT), developed for
dealing with imprecise, uncertain and conflicting sources of information. We
focus our presentation on the foundations of DSmT and on its most important
rules of combination, rather than on browsing specific applications of DSmT
available in literature. Several simple examples are given throughout this
presentation to show the efficiency and the generality of this new approach
âAn ethnographic seductionâ: how qualitative research and Agent-based models can benefit each other
We provide a general analytical framework for empirically informed agent-based simulations. This methodology provides present-day agent-based models with a sound and proper insight as to the behavior of social agents â an insight that statistical data often fall short of providing at least at a micro level and for hidden and sensitive populations. In the other direction, simulations can provide qualitative researchers in sociology, anthropology and other fields with valuable tools for: (a) testing the consistency and pushing the boundaries, of specific theoretical frameworks; (b) replicating and generalizing results; (c) providing a platform for cross-disciplinary validation of results
Planned Behavior Typologies of Agricultural Education Teacher Educators Regarding Service Learning as a Method of Instruction: A National Mixed Methods Study
This study sought to understand the service-learning beliefs and intentions of agricultural education teacher educators. We collected quantitative data through a web-based survey instrument and course syllabi. Variables yielding statistically significant relationships were analyzed using cluster analysis, which produced three unique clusters operationalized as typologies representing the planned behaviors of teacher educators regarding service learning. For example, the Optimistically Unaware expressed positive beliefs about the method, but did not understand how to integrate service learning in their teaching methods courses. Meanwhile, the Policy-Focused Decision Makers used established education policy as anchors when navigating decisions, such as whether to feature service learning in their courses. Service-Learning Implementers espoused strong beliefs about the methodâs potential while also emphasizing how it could be used to enrich the preparation of agriculture teachers. Results point to the potential service learning holds if integrated as a complement to teacher preparation rather than an addition to current practice
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