Assessment information systems

The assessment process in contemporary society and the role of the expert are discussed. The development of technology is considered in two stages: the preintroduction stage in which the developer makes the tests and decisions, and the application stage in which the user applies the technology and makes tests with different criteria. The adverse effects of death, personal injury, and collective injury are described, and resulting public actions are mentioned. The role of the experts is identified as asking relevant questions and recording observations, communicating with each other, summarizing the findings, and indicating the significance of the findings to those capable of deciding upon action. It is pointed out that the experts often disagree on facts and economic values. The basic problem is felt to be one of identifying the social significance in an assessment situation.