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IBIS: Structured Discussion

PREP columns provide only one way to organize the discussion of an issue. IBIS (Issue-based Information System) [] is a more sophisticated method to capture the rationale behind decisions. It formally supports the notions of issues, positions about these issues, arguments for positions, and captures the relationships among them. IBIS is a textual tool that displays these relationships using indented text. The following example from [] illustrates how IBIS displays these relationships:
*I: Which processor should be used?
      ?P: Processor A.
             AS: Fast
      *P: Processor B.
             AS: Already in use, thus cheaper.
      -P: Processor C.
             AO: Won't be available in time.
The keyword I indicates an issue, P a position, AS a supporting argument, AO an opposing argument, - a rejected position, * an issue that has been resolved or a position that has been taken, and ? a positions about which no decision has been taken. A graphical version, called gIBIS, displays these relationships graphically. Another variation, rIBIS [], allows real-time argumentation, thereby, like other applications discussed below, combining session- and artifact- based collaboration.



Prasun Dewan
Tue Jan 28 17:46:09 EST 1997