F.3 Information theories Flashcards
Apply theoretical and conceptual frameworks to practice.
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.
What is a complex adaptive system?
A dynamic network of agents acting in parallel, constantly reacting to each other’s actions, influencing the system as a whole.
Definition from The Health Foundation, 2010.
What are the characteristics of complex adaptive systems?
- Many elements act autonomously and interact dynamically
- Each element affects and is affected by several other systems
- Significance of history shapes present behaviour
- Non-linear interactions can have significant effects
- Openness makes defining system boundaries challenging
- Entropy requires a constant flow of energy to maintain organization.
Characteristics sourced from The Health Foundation, 2010.
What are typical properties of complex adaptive systems?
- Self-organisation
- Emergence
- Co-evolution
- Connectivity
- Importance of diversity
- Unpredictability.
These properties help in understanding the behavior of complex adaptive systems.
Define ‘self-organisation’ in the context of complex adaptive systems.
The ability of complex adaptive systems to reorganise themselves to find the best fit with the environment.
What does ‘emergence’ mean in complex adaptive systems?
Patterns that emerge from the actions and interactions of autonomous agents, guiding and changing their behavior and the system itself.
What is ‘co-evolution’ in complex adaptive systems?
The process where the system changes as the environment changes to ensure the best fit.
What is meant by ‘connectivity’ in complex adaptive systems?
The relationships between agents are usually more influential in driving change than the agents themselves.
How does diversity affect complex adaptive systems?
Greater variety within the system strengthens it and increases the likelihood of generating new possibilities and co-evolution.
What is the significance of unpredictability in complex adaptive systems?
Futures cannot be deduced due to nonlinear interactions and creative behaviors, making predictions inherently unstable.
What are high-reliability systems?
Systems that operate in high-risk environments and implement strategies to avoid failure.
List the five key concepts of high-reliability systems.
- Preoccupation with failure
- Sensitivity to operations
- Reluctance to simplify
- Deference to expertise
- Commitment to resilience.
Key concepts sourced from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2019.
What does ‘preoccupation with failure’ entail in high-reliability systems?
Recognition that the system deals with high risk and viewing near-misses as indicators for improvement.
What is meant by ‘sensitivity to operations’ in high-reliability systems?
Maintaining constant awareness of the state of systems and processes to manage risks effectively.
Define ‘reluctance to simplify’ in high-reliability systems.
Recognizing the complexity of the system and avoiding overly simple explanations for failures.
What does ‘deference to expertise’ mean in high-reliability systems?
Allowing the most knowledgeable individuals to make decisions, regardless of their administrative status.
What is ‘commitment to resilience’ in high-reliability systems?
Building trust and capability to improvise in response to system failures.
What is a system of systems?
A set of systems or system elements that interact to provide unique capabilities that none of the constituent systems can accomplish alone.
What challenges arise in a system of systems context?
- Optimisation
- Fluidity.
Challenges are related to performance, governance, and timely identification of changes.
Define ‘optimisation’ in the context of a system of systems.
Considering control systems that ensure optimal performance in meeting agreed aims.
What does ‘fluidity’ refer to in a system of systems?
The constant evolution of systems, requiring timely identification of changes and their impacts.
How are systems of systems relevant to health informatics?
They involve vast numbers of sensors and actuators linked through networks, generating large volumes of data.
