Relational Data File : Input Techniques.

An input manual for the Relational Data File (see RM-5085), applicable to any high-volume, structured, database. A general discussion of problems and requirements precedes the rationale for the procedures selected. Designers of machine-processed files tend to neglect input; this nearly always results in inefficient, costly, and highly error-prone manual preprocessing. Input includes all procedures necessary to file data in machinable form, check, correct, maintain, and update it; this Memorandum is concerned with the methodology for the manual extraction and preparation of data for input. The aims are flexibility, generality, and efficiency, using the relative strengths of man and machine in appropriate ways. Synonymity and ambiguity dictionaries are needed by both input workers and file programs. Error correction and detection procedures should be built in. Procedures are given for handling tentative, unknown, projected, negative, or ambiguous data, and for relative as well as absolute dating. Application to a specific data collection is described in RM-5622. 117 pp.