Dynamic personal identity and the dynamic identity grid: how theory and concept can transform information into knowledge and secure the American homeland

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Authors
Burchnell, Ryan
Subjects
Advisors
Strindberg, Anders
Bergin, Richard
Date of Issue
2008-09
Date
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
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Abstract
Personal identification systems and processes; including those used for transliteration, travel visas and driver licenses; have failed to adequately adapt to the nation's new asymmetric threat. After September 11th, personal identification information about the attackers began to emerge and it became clear that it could have been used to identify the attackers prior to their terrorist acts. This study used qualitative research methods to construct meaning from previously uncorrelated issues and employed a threestage analytical approach that grounded the research. The tertiary stage identified themes that had theoretical relevance and, in turn, a direct impact on the proposed solutions. The study borrowed concepts from a handful of formal qualitative methods; including grounded theory, content/document analysis, interviewing, triangulation and conceptual modeling. It found that ambiguity and ethnocentricity is inherent in American name-based identity collection practices, systems and processes; that consistently collecting specific name-based characteristics could be highly beneficial to combating terrorism; and that by leveraging the knowledge created by consistent collection practices, systems and processes we can transform name-based identity into a dynamic and leveragable commodity. To effectively do so, this project presents a substantive theory, Dynamic Personal Identity, and a conceptual technological system, the Dynamic Identity Grid, as potential solutions.
Type
Thesis
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Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
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Format
xvi, 112 p. : ill. (chiefly col.) ;
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