Verification of heuristic diagnostic knowledge by comparison with a causal/qualitative model

An approach to verify the knowledge base of a diagnostic expert system is described. An heuristic knowledge base collected from domain experts by interviews was analysed and the reasons for changes between versions were noted. The knowledge base was then compared with a small causal qualitative model of the device covered by the heuristic knowledge. Conclusions are drawn regarding the quality of the heuristic knowledge and indicate how it is planned to use the comparison of heuristic and causal knowledge in further development of the knowledge base.