Features: Provides an overview of methods for assessing the reliability of generating data Expands a statistic proposed by the author, already widely used in the social sciences Includes many easy to follow numerical examples to illustrate the measures Written to be useful to beginning and advanced researchers from many disciplines, notably linguistics, sociology, psychometric and educational research, and medical science.

"All data are the result of human actions whether by experimentations, observations, or declarations. As such, the presumption of knowing what data are about is subject of imperfections that can affect the validity of research efforts. With calls for data-based research comes the need to assure the reliability of generated data. Especially the reliability of converting texts into analyzable data has become a burning issue in several areas. However, this issue has been met by only a few limited, and sometimes misleading measures of the extent to which data can be trusted as surrogates of the phenomena of analytical interests. The statistic proposed by the author - "Krippendorff's Alpha" - is widely used in the social sciences, not only where human judgements are involved but also where measurements are compared. This book expands on the author's seminal work in content analysis and develops methods for assessing the reliability of the kind of data that previously defied evaluations for this purpose. It opens with a discussion of the epistemology of reliable data, then presents the most basic alpha coefficient for the single-valued coding of predefined units. This largely familiar way of measuring reliability provides the platform for the succeeding chapters which start with an overview of alternative coefficients and then expand alpha one quality after another, including to cope with the reliabilities of multi-valued coding, segmenting texts into meaningful units, big data, and information retrievals. It also includes a chapter on how to diagnose and remedy imperfections and one on applicable standards, all converging on the statistical issues of the reliability of generating data. Features: Provides an overview of methods for assessing the reliability of generating data Expands a statistic proposed by the author, already widely used in the social sciences Includes many easy to follow numerical examples to illustrate the measures Written to be useful to beginning and advanced researchers from many disciplines, notably linguistics, sociology, psychometric and educational research, and medical science"--

Many real systems are composed of multi-state components with different performance levels and several failure modes. These affect the whole system's performance. Most books on reliability theory cover binary models that allow a system only to function perfectly or fail completely. "The Universal Generating Function in Reliability Analysis and Optimization" is the first book that gives a comprehensive description of the universal generating function technique and its applications in binary and multi-state system reliability analysis. Features: - an introduction to basic tools of multi-state system reliability and optimization; - applications of the universal generating function in widely used multi-state systems; - examples of the adaptation of the universal generating function to different systems in mechanical, industrial and software engineering. This monograph will be of value to anyone interested in system reliability, performance analysis and optimization in industrial, electrical and nuclear engineering.

In the aftermath of the "explosion" of "hard" data sets in the 1960s for the study of international relations, there has been a movement back toward the use of various experts to quantify the more elusive aspects of the international situation. These aspects range from the beliefs and perceptions of decision makers to the array of stresses that confront nation-states both internally and externally. This volume reflects the most recent and innovative work in the use of data generated by academic, policy, and other experts. The authors discuss expert-generated data as a means of data making, data refinement, and policy analysis. They present all of the major expert-based approaches and offer a variety of methodological and substantive applications.

What matters in people’s social lives? What motivates and inspires our society? How do we enact what we know? Since the first edition published in 1980, Content Analysis has helped shape and define the field. In the highly anticipated Fourth Edition, award-winning scholar and author Klaus Krippendorff introduces readers to the most current method of analyzing the textual fabric of contemporary society. Students and scholars will learn to treat data not as physical events but as communications that are created and disseminated to be seen, read, interpreted, enacted, and reflected upon according to the meanings they have for their recipients. Interpreting communications as texts in the contexts of their social uses distinguishes content analysis from other empirical methods of inquiry. Organized into three parts, Content Analysis first examines the conceptual aspects of content analysis, then discusses components such as unitizing and sampling, and concludes by showing readers how to trace the analytical paths and apply evaluative techniques. The Fourth Edition has been completely revised to offer readers the most current techniques and research on content analysis, including new information on reliability and social media. Readers will also gain practical advice and experience for teaching academic and commercial researchers how to conduct content analysis.

This report presents the results of a study of the quality assurance and reliability (QA & R) practices employed by the conventional electric power generating industry to provide a fram of reference for PV (photovoltaics) program QA & R activities. The power industry is, within the past several years, adopting many of the reliability/maintainability program elements originally applied in military and space programs. These efforts coupled with the more traditional quality assurance practices are resulting in substantial operating plant cost savings.

"Synthetic Data Generation: A Beginner’s Guide" offers an insightful exploration into the emerging field of synthetic data, essential for anyone navigating the complexities of data science, artificial intelligence, and technology innovation. This comprehensive guide demystifies synthetic data, presenting a detailed examination of its core principles, techniques, and prospective applications across diverse industries. Designed with accessibility in mind, it equips beginners and seasoned practitioners alike with the necessary knowledge to leverage synthetic data's potential effectively. Delving into the nuances of data sources, generation techniques, and evaluation metrics, this book serves as a practical roadmap for mastering synthetic data. Readers will gain a robust understanding of the advantages and limitations, ethical considerations, and privacy concerns associated with synthetic data usage. Through real-world examples and industry insights, the guide illuminates the transformative role of synthetic data in enhancing innovation while safeguarding privacy. With an eye on both present applications and future trends, "Synthetic Data Generation: A Beginner’s Guide" prepares readers to engage with the evolving challenges and opportunities in data-centric fields. Whether for academic enrichment, professional development, or as a primer for new data enthusiasts, this book stands as an essential resource in understanding and implementing synthetic data solutions.