Foundations of Knowledge Acquisition

Abstract

Knowledge acquisition is recognized as a major bottleneck in the development of knowledge-based systems. The first generation of knowledge acquisition techniques in the 1970s were based on human interviewing. The second generation in the 1980s have been based on computer-aided application of specific techniques such as repertory grids, behavior modeling and text analysis. Current third generation research is targeting tools for the 1990s to provide integrated knowledge acquisition environments supporting a wide range of complementary tools and techniques. The authors survey the foundations of knowledge acquisition, providing a framework for the wide range of techniques in use