Comparing proposals for the solution of data analysis problems in a knowledge-based system

In a knowledge-based system, which aims at supporting persons who are interested in the analysis of special data, the problem can arise that a whole set of proposals is generated in answer to a question of a user. Such proposals are based on appropriate interconnections between user wishes, available original data as well as derived data obtained by application of adequate methods, the methods mentioned, and data analysis objectives. The authors use graphical visualizations of proposals to outline how the system would cope with the underlying situation. In this paper, special attention is paid to the concept of knowledge-based comparisons of proposals when propagation of certainty factors is used for a priori judgements of proposals generated (before suggested proposals are performed). Afterwards, a posteriori judgements of proposals considered (after solutions have been computed by application of selected proposals) can be based on goodness of fit criteria derived from chosen outputs.