Method fragments

The traditional unit of analysis in knowledge acquisition and requirements acquisition is the method, e.g. the interview, the repertory grid etc. Ther e are practical and theoretical difficulties with this division. A more use ful concept is the method fragment, described in this paper. The method fra gment is a discrete component of a method which can be used in one or more methods. The discreteness of method fragments makes it much easier to descr ibe their strengths and weaknesses than is the case with methods, enabling the elicitor to put together a customized method to suit a particular elici tation need. In this paper Mle outline the concept of method fragments usin g worked examples, discuss issues raised and make recommendations for furth er work.