Principles of structured data entry applied to reference sources.

Our Structured Data Entry application makes use of a domain specific data model. The principles governing the modeling of this data model, are similar to the requirements of the criteria underlying taxonomic systems. Using the DSM-IV as reference source to create a data model for psychiatry, revealed a number of flaws in the criteria of this system, which potentially influence the reliability and validity of this taxonomic system. We conclude that the modeling process provides us with a powerful tool which can be used during the revision process of such systems.