Models for Knowledge Representation and Cognitive Effort in Human Problem Solving

Abstract

Critical to success in man-machine systems design is an understanding of the way in which humans formulate issues/ identify possible alternative courses of action, analyze the impacts of these alternatives, and integrate these impacts in accordance with a value system. It is now generally recognized that experiential familiarity with the perceived task at hand is the dominant influence upon the way in which the task requirements are cognized, and the way in which problem solving activities proceed. This paper provides an overview of recent efforts concerning representations or models of the way in which human cognitive features are organized to enable a response to perceived task demands. Several different models are contrasted, with particular attention being given to the use of production rules to represent knowledge that is based on. skills, rules, or formal reasoning.