Page 225 - Using MIS

her data model as a better representation of the real world system?” The person who is constructing the data model
is saying, quite arrogantly, “The way I think of the world is may think the model under construction is a weird way of
the way that counts.” Second, in times of disagreement we viewing the world, but that is not the point. The only valid
must ask the question, “How well does the data model fit point is whether it reflects how the users view their world.
the mental models of the people who are going to use the Will it enable the users to do their jobs?

DisCussion Questions

1. What does a data model represent? 4. In your own words, how should you proceed when two
2. Explain why it is easy for humans to confuse the phe- people disagree on what is to be included in a data
nomenal world with the noumenal world. model?
3. If someone were to say to you, “My model is a better
model of the real world,” how would you respond?

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