THE RIGHT USE OF THE COMPUTER IN THE HUMAN SCIENCES

In: International social science journal: ISSJ, Band 23, Heft 3, S. 462-472

Abstract

A theoretical discussion of data-processing followed by a brief reminder of the types of applications in the human soils. Data-processing is defined from the point of view of the practitioner. The object is to mechanize a previously constructed model, with formalization done well in advance. Increasing use is being made of special-purpose languages for the work of a human sci specialist. The analysts in a data-processing center for the human soils see a great variety of computer processing requests coming in which are divided into 2 categories from the standpoint of preliminary stimulation: requests that are justified, & others. The 1st category uses mathematical tools (statistics, linear programming) which have led to the construction of programs. The 2nd type of model proposed for the computer is a logical construction which has not been formulated mathematically, such as automatic documentation, content analysis, & computer-assisted instruction. Still another case is marked by the fact that there is no preliminary model. In such cases, it is asked, who is the arbiter? It is concluded that it is increasingly clear that the person who has responsibility for the right use of the computer is the human soils specialist himself. E. Weiman.