Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Obfuscation
Obfuscation is the making of statements in ambiguous or convoluted terms, with the
intention of hiding meaning, or of appearing to say much while actually saying little.
It can be used, for example, to give the impression of having done something without
actually claiming to have done it.
Experiments, with the improved version of the algorithm as we have des-
cribed, are the step that confirms our speculation that performance would
improve. The previous version of the algorithm is rather slow on our test data
and improvements lead to better performance.
Note the use of bland statements such as “experiments… are the step that confirms
our speculation” (true, but not informative) and “improvements lead to better per-
formance” (tautologous). The implication is that experiments were undertaken, but
there is no direct claim that experiments actually took place.
In science writing, vague statements are regrettably common. It is always prefer-
able to be specific: exceptions are or are not possible, data was transmitted at a certain
rate, and so on. Stating that “there may be exceptions in some circumstances” or “data
was transmitted fast” is not helpful.
Amelioration can lead to large savings.
Amelioration led to savings of 12%-33% in our experiments.
Obfuscation can arise in other ways: exaggeration, omission of relevant information,
or bold statements of conclusions based on flimsy evidence. Use of stilted or long-
winded sentences—often due to an unnecessary attempt to introduce formality—can
obfuscate.
The status of the system is such that a number of components are now able to
be operated.
Several of the system's components are working.
In respect to the relative costs, the features of memory mean that with regard
to systems today disk has greater associated expense for the elapsed time
requirements of tasks involving access to stored data.
Memory can be accessed more quickly than disk.
Some obfuscation arises because processes are unnecessarily complex, are presented
in unnecessary detail, or are outright unnecessary. The following was written as part
of a tender process.
These draft guidelines are part of a process for seeking comments on the
proposed stages for identifying the officers responsible for participating in
the development of the initial specification.
