Part of the DTO Research Suite · Warren Lab, University of North Texas View the full DTO framework ↗
Digital Transformation Ontology · Expert Validation

Welcome to
Athos

A structured instrument for domain expert validation of the Digital Transformation Ontology (DTO) — grounded in social science research methods and designed for iterative construct validation.

What is Athos?

Athos is a multi-round expert validation instrument operationalizing the content validity and construct validity procedures appropriate for ontology evaluation in information science and organizational research. It guides you through rating each of the nine DTO components across four validity dimensions: definitional adequacy, boundary clarity, completeness, and practical utility. You will also evaluate inter-component relationships.

The instrument follows procedures aligned with content validity ratio (CVR) methods (Lawshe, 1975), ontology evaluation frameworks (Gruber, 1993; Noy & McGuinness, 2001), and expert panel approaches established in learning technologies and supply chain research.

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Time required
45–75 minutes
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Items
9 components × 4 dimensions + relationships
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Validation type
Content validity + construct clarity
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Data handling
De-identified; UNT IRB compliant
How to complete this evaluation
  1. Read the full definition of each component carefully before rating. Definitions are drawn from the DTO manuscript and reflect BFO-grounded Aristotelian genus-differentia formulations.
  2. Rate each component on four dimensions using the 1–7 scale. Use notes fields for any qualifications, suggested revisions, or evidence from your domain experience.
  3. After rating all nine components, evaluate the six key inter-component relationship claims on their logical necessity and empirical plausibility.
  4. Complete the instrument usability section. Your candid feedback directly informs revision of Athos and the DTO validation procedure.
  5. Download both the CSV data file and the HTML report, then use the email button to submit to the research team.
Score interpretation guide
1 – 2
Does not meet criterion — major revision needed
3 – 5
Partially meets criterion — moderate revision or clarification needed
6 – 7
Meets or exceeds criterion — minor or no revision needed
Step 1 of 5

Consent & Expert Profile

Your domain background is central to the validity of this evaluation. All responses are de-identified in analysis unless you explicitly consent to attribution.

About you
Required
Required
Informed consent

Purpose

This study validates the Digital Transformation Ontology (DTO), a formal BFO-grounded specification of digital transformation's domain entities, processes, and relationships (Warren et al., in review). Expert panel methods are used to establish content validity, construct clarity, and boundary adequacy across the ontology's nine components.

What you will do

You will rate each of the nine DTO components on four validity dimensions using a 1–7 scale, evaluate key inter-component relationship claims, and provide qualitative notes where appropriate. You will also complete a brief usability section about this instrument.

Time commitment

Approximately 45–75 minutes. You may save your progress at any point and return later using the load function.

Risks and benefits

Minimal risk — similar to ordinary professional peer review. There is no guaranteed personal benefit, though your expert judgment directly informs ontology revision and contributes to the scholarly record for DTO development.

Confidentiality

Data will be stored in secure, password-protected systems or university-approved storage. Reports will use de-identified summaries unless you explicitly consent to attribution. Records will be retained for at least three years beyond the close of the research.

Voluntary participation

Participation is entirely voluntary. You may withdraw at any time without penalty and may skip any item that makes you uncomfortable.

Contact

Principal Investigator: Dr. Scott J. Warren, scott.warren@unt.edu, 940-369-7489. IRB questions: UNT Office of Research Integrity and Compliance, 940-565-4643, untirb@unt.edu.

Step 2 of 5

Component Ratings

Rate each of the nine DTO components across four validity dimensions. Expand each component to read its full definition before scoring. All ratings use a 1–7 scale.

Components rated
0 / 9
Dimensions rated
0 / 36
Overall avg
— / 7
Digital Transformation Ontology — Nine Components Avg: —
Step 3 of 5

Relationship Validity

The DTO specifies formal relationships between components. Evaluate each claim on two dimensions: logical necessity (must this relationship hold by definition?) and empirical plausibility (does evidence from your domain support this claim?).

Step 4 of 5 — Athos Research

Instrument Feedback

This section is about Athos itself — not the DTO you evaluated. Critical and candid feedback is more valuable than positive feedback for improving this instrument.

Time and effort
Validity dimensions
Components and relationships
Instrument experience
Step 5 of 5

Review & Submit

Review your evaluation summary below. Download both files and email them to the research team. Both files are required for analysis.

Download your files
Email to research team

Send both downloaded files to scott.warren@unt.edu. The button below pre-fills the subject and body.

Thank you for your contribution to the DTO validation.