Glossary

In an effort to avoid ambiguity, the following terms and phrases are defined to clarify how they are likely to be used in this site’s original material.

and—all of two or many

and/or—inclusive “or”, any of many. May use instead “any of: … and …” or “any … or …”

applicability—degree of scope

assumption—an unsubstantiated piece of information or argument that can be used as a premise when taken as true.

can, could or able—capable, regardless of intention

capacity—degree of ability with respect to volume or productivity. “How much.”

competency—degree of ability with respect to quality. “How well.”

data—raw data or processed data that in itself does not have meaning. Data can be composed of numbers and/or text, of a qualitative (prior to assigning meaning) or quantitative nature. 
Note: although “data” is a plural form of “datum”, it will generally be referring to a collection or group, and therefore treated as a singular noun unless it is referring to more than one group of data, consistent with modern usage.

education—learning characterized by in-depth quality and breadth to enable understanding and provide the means and ways to facilitate transfer or applicability in different contexts, generate new knowledge, ideas, and/or create novel approaches. It is in essence the “toolbox” used to achieve greater understanding.

experience—a condition in which one perceives, observes, and/or engages in an event

fact—a reasonably undeniable piece of information; used as a premise for an argument or opinion.

hypothesis—a hypothetical statement or informed speculation.

if and only if—A possibility excluding all other possibilities.

if—A possibility but not necessarily excluding others.

implication—a suggestion, hint, or possibility.

inference—a conclusion drawn that may or may not be based on facts.

information—processed or interpreted data intended to communicate an idea or imbued with meaning.

intelligence—interpretation of information used to form decisions or predict an outcome.

knowledge—repository of data or information

may or may not—permissive, regardless of intention.

means—a resource used to accomplish something.

must—compulsory (used in place of shall when referencing legal material)

one (n.)—a gender-neutral term used in reference to an individual.

opinion—As used here, it is an inference based on facts and other inferences that are also based on facts.

or—exclusive, one or the other and not both, one of many but not all, unless it is modified with “any”.

problem—a condition or situation to be understood, implying neither “good” nor “bad”.

shall—generally not used but for the purposes of any paper, it must not be used in place of must; may be used to express an inevitable outcome regardless of intent or determination (i.e., the British shall) to differentiate between the word will if necessary.

should—suggested or recommended, not required.

skill—a learned ability; within the context of the workplace, usually learned to performed tasks.

training—learning to perform a specific task or to comply with rules, regulations, expectations, etc.

way—a method to accomplishing something

will or will not—used to express determination (use in place of shall)

would—probable/likely with intent or determination