in reply to How do you name the possibilities?

Hmm, interesting. There's been a lot of work done on classification of abbreviations in the medical field.

In terms of avoiding rote memorization, the thing that helps people memorize is *structure*. So for the Mac, one assumes that there is a certain order used in creating the sandwhich (bun,meat,cheese, toppings? I dunno, I'm a vegetarian :-)). If the specifications go in the same order as the construction of the sandwhich the user has an automatic leg up on memorization. This is where knowing the knowledge domain you are dealing with becomes relevant and generic BigMac examples fall down - what is there in your domain that is already structured and how can you make use of that structure in deciding on a nmaing scheme?

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Re^2: How do you name the possibilities?
by Anonymous Monk on Jul 07, 2004 at 19:15 UTC
    In terms of avoiding rote memorization, the thing that helps people memorize is *structure*. ... what is there in your domain that is already structured and how can you make use of that structure in deciding on a nmaing scheme?

    Excellent observation. Although the sandwich example was contrived in order to make the question more understandable, the original problem domain that motivated the question was musical compositions. The problem is, there are infinitely many ways to deconstruct any composition. Hence the sandwich example. Also, it seems like using a fake problem domain generates more enlightening responses, such as your medical abbreviation link. As you identified, there are trade-offs when choosing how to pose the question.

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      using a fake problem domain generates more enlightening responses
      For sure! Metaphoric thought is a basic strategy of all thought. I think you used the fake domain very well to pose an easily understandable question. I was exapnding on it, not criticizing it :-)

      Please keep us updated, this is quite interesting.

[reply]

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