Abstract
Several problems arise in the use of the metainformation system (METIS) and its system of catalogues and dictionaries of formalized descriptions as a tool for the conceptual design of statistical data modelling. The general problems of statistical data modelling can particularly be identified in relation to the construction of statistical data base systems. Statistical data modelling is to be perceived as modelling of a certain already existing statistical data system rather than as modelling of the objective reality and its subsequent representation in the form of an ‘ideal’ data system. The system of catalogues and dictionaries of formalized descriptions should be used directly within the conceptual framework for statistical data modelling which is based on the comparison and analysis of aims and functions. METIS and its formalized descriptions can be seen not only as an efficient tool for the sphere which appears to be neglected in applied methods as well as in conceptual approaches to data modelling, but also as an efficient tool serving the purpose of user communication with large statistical data base systems. In the second case METIS can be used as a simple locator system (SLS), a system informing in detail (DIS) and/or as a system for retrieval and use of data (SRU) by various categories of users.
One of the main advantages of using METIS in these ways is that a considerable number of methods and procedures of the formalized descriptions, generation of catalogues and dictionaries and procedures for their use have already been implemented on the computer.
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