Semantic structures of statistical meta-data

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Oleński, Józef¹

Note: [1] Józef Oleński, MSc, PhD econ., works as the Deputy Director of the Research and Development Center of the State Statistical Information System in the Central Statistical Office, Warsaw, Poland. He is also assistant professor of information science at the Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw.

Abstract: A re-definition of the concept of statistical meta-data can be based on the concept of ‘statistical indicator’. The structural (semiotic) model of ‘statistical indicator’ is seen as the fundamental semantic structure of statistical meta-data. Relations between statistical indicators (i.e. partitive, procedural, hierarchical, lexical, associative and attributive) also merit discussion. The main structural forms of meta-data can be developed and specified on this basis: classification, nomenclature, systematized list and descriptor language. These structural forms of meta-data are used for the design of statistical surveys and the development and maintenance of registers and dictionaries, which are the instruments for the realization of meta-data functions in the statistical information system: interpretation, identification, organization and co-ordination of data and surveys.

DOI: 10.3233/SJU-1983-1406

Journal: Statistical Journal of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, vol. 1, no. 4, pp. 477-484, 1983