A discussion frame for explaining records that are based on algorithmic output
ISSN: 0956-5698
Article publication date: 4 December 2019
Issue publication date: 22 July 2020
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to raise attention within the records management community about evolving demands for explanations that make it possible to understand the content of records, also when they reflect output from algorithms.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodological approach is a conceptual analysis based in records management theory and the philosophy of science. The concepts that are developed are thereafter applied to “the right to an explanation” and “an algorithmic ethics approach,” respectively, to further examine their viability.
Findings
Different forms of explanations, ranging from “certain” explanations to predictions, as well as varying degrees of control over the input data to algorithms, affect the nature of the explanations and what kinds of records the explanations may reside in.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to a conceptual frame for discussing where explanations to algorithms may be documented, within different kinds of records, emanating from different kinds of processes.
Keywords
Citation
Andresen, H. (2020), "A discussion frame for explaining records that are based on algorithmic output", Records Management Journal, Vol. 30 No. 2, pp. 129-141. https://doi.org/10.1108/RMJ-04-2019-0019
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited