Definitionv1
Monitoring: the systematic collection and analysis of data
Monitoring: the systematic collection and analysis of data about agent performance and environmental conditions to inform decision-making and optimization
Why This Is a Definition
This definition establishes the precise semantic boundary of 'monitoring' by identifying it as systematic collection and analysis of data specifically for the purpose of informing decisions and optimization. It distinguishes monitoring from mere data collection by emphasizing the functional relationship to decision-making and the optimization process. The definition is precise enough to distinguish monitoring from other related concepts like data collection or observation, and it's consistent with how the curriculum uses the term throughout the lesson.