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Research Article

The Use of Multilevel Models in Information Evaluation

Park, Sunghyeon · Richard J . Boland · Jr .

Published: January 1982 · Vol. 11 · pp. 191-220
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Abstract

We have introduced a multilevel model for the evaluation of information systems, and focused our discussion on the value of information at two of those levels-the formulated problem level and the world view level. The analysis has pointed out that the impact of information at each level is fundamentally different. At the formulated problem level, information has value to the extent that it changes state probabilities under a standard SDT framework. While our analysis has attempted to point out some technical problems in the probability revision process for act dependent and uncertain outcome formulations, the state probability revision value of information remains valid. At the world view level, however, the impact of information may be conflict increasing or conflict decreasing for the individual. While the same datum may have both information impacts, the state uncertainty and internal conflict changes are not additive, and there is no continuity of uncertainty between two formulated problems for the same individual. Each formulated problem results from the perplexity or conflict of a different set of world views. The various possible modes of inquiry and mixes of conflict generation or conflict reduction over time is largely unexplored, and the research questions are difficult and subtle. However, an adequate evaluation of the impact of any given information systems requires attention to these broader questions.