Finding the Concepts In the Chaos - Building Relationships With Data Models

Facilitated by Dr K Faith Lawrence (Digital Humanities Observatory)

Venue: IIIS Seminar Room, 6th Floor, Trinity College Dublin

This workshop will introduce attendees to the basics of data modelling. Whether modelling for a relational database, an ontology or a taxonomy, the way that we see and structure data has far-reaching consequences as to how we understand it. This course is about ways of thinking about data and how it relates to both the world and the data around it. As part of this contextualising of meaning we will look at some of the methods of data modelling which can help avoid some of the pitfalls in dealing with data.

Agenda

9:30 - 12:30 - Introduction to Modelling Concepts: Looking at the World Top-Down and Bottom-Up [PPT slides]

13:45 - 14:45 - Semantic Modellinging - Learning to Play Nice With Others [PPT slides][Family Exercise - PDF]

14:45 - 15:30 - Modelling the Impossible: Playing with Unreality or 'Why Watson is an Impossible Object?" [PPT Slides]

15:00 - 15:30 - B.Y.O.M (Bring Your Own Model)

Requirements

There are no requirements for this workshop except you come willing to think not only outside-the-box but about what the box is that you are thinking outside of.

The final session of the day will offer a chance for everyone to discuss their research projects with the class in light of what has been learnt during the day. Attendees should be aware of this and if they wish to discuss any problems they are having with modelling the concepts in their projects then they may wish to make some notes on their work before hand. However it has been our experience that most researchers have more than enough of an in-depth familiarity with their projects to be able to talk about them so I leave this to personal preference. The point of this session is to promote discussion and apply what has been learned so opening your model to the class is not required although participation is. Thanks.