On Deriving Indicators from Texts

Abstract

Abstract. This paper presents and explores the idea of deriving numerical indicators from texts, that is, converting text data to numerical data that has predictive or diagnostic value. One application of such a general capability is to the provisional identification of networks, or rather, of associations within networks. Conversely, given a network structure among entities that are associated with various texts, the network structure can itself contribute usefully to construction of indicators derived from texts. The focus of the paper is on basic concepts and methods for deriving indicators from texts. Much research remains to be done.