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           COLLOQUIUM OF THE COMPUTATIONAL MATERIALS SCIENCE CENTER
                             College of Science
                      (CDS Department CSI 898-Sec 001)
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              The Issue of Credibility in Scientific Data
                            Ronald G. Munro
         National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg MD
 
Scientists and engineers generally are familiar with the concepts of precision
(how well does your measurement device work) and accuracy (how well did you
use it), but often are less familiar with the issue of data quality (how well
suited is the information to the purpose). It is fairly easy to recognize that
the latter issue can have an impact on technological innovation, the
validation of a theory, and the marketability of a product.  But, when you
consider also the influence of data quality in swaying a jury, establishing
liability, protecting a patent, diagnosing an illness, preventing epidemics,
and assessing security risks, then you may begin to understand that the
influence of data quality reaches into every aspect of the mundane world with
both profound and practical consequences.  While the diversity among these
subject areas influenced by data credibility is rather vast, there ought to be
a set of principles that provides a formal foundation for assessing data
quality in all of its many guises.  We shall explore this diversity and
examine one approach to understanding the essential principles through which
data evaluation may be viewed as a scientific discipline serving as a
safeguard to our observations and perceptions.

                          October 30, 4:30 pm
                   Room 301, Research I, Fairfax Campus

Refreshments will be served at 4:15 PM.
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Find the schedule at http://www.cmasc.gmu.edu/seminar/schedule.html
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