Chapter 11
What is Heuristic?
General rule that is usually correct.
What are important components about the Means End Heuristic?
1. Divide the problem into subproblems
2. Reducing the difference between the initial state
and the goal state for each subproblem
• Can be used in either forward or backward direction
What is Computer simulation about?
Computer program that will perform a task the same way a
human would
– Includes false starts
– Should be no better (or worse) at solving the problem than a
human
– Test by comparing program with the steps humans would
take in solving the problem
How many types of Heuristic are there?
three types
What is Hill Climbing Heuristic?
Choosing the alternative that seems to lead most directly / quickly toward your goal state.
What was Andersons’ ACT-R theory about?
– Computer simulations for problem solving (like Elves and
Goblins), algebra, geometry, computer science
– Developed to learn more about ow people acquire skills in
problem solving
– Developed “cognitive tutors” for use in math classes
What is Analogy Approach ?
It use solution from similar problem in past.
Greeno (1974)—Elves-and-Goblins problem research refers to what type of heuristic?
Means End Heuristic
What was the Computer Stimulation Research of Newell and Simon's General Problem Solver?
Newell and Simon’s General Problem Solver (GPS)
– Participants talk out loud while working on a relevant
problem
– Narrative used to create computer simulations
– Uses means-ends analysis strategy; difference reduction
strategy
What is The Analogy Approach Cont’d about?
What is surface and structural features?
The Structure of the Analogy Approach
– Determining the real problem
• Sift through irrelevant details
– Problem isomorphs = set of problems that have
the same underlying structures and solutions but
different details
• Surface features = obvious, superficial features
• Structural features = underlying core
What did Greeno (1974)—Elves-and-Goblins problem research said ?
-People pause when tackling subproblems and need
to organize moves – activates working memory
–People are reluctant to move away from goal state
What type of Heuristic is the next situation about?
“You come upon a fork in the road during your travels. The left
path seems to lead directly to the princess’ castle, although you
cannot see everything ahead. The rightmost path seems to veer
off into a dangerous looking forest that does not lead directly
to the castle. Choose your adventure.”
Hill Climbing Heuristic
What is Means and Heuristic?
Identify the ends you want and then figure out the means to reach them.
What is an example of a research about Means and Heuristic?
Computer Stimulation Research
What are the Disadvantages of
Hill-Climbing Heuristic?
Information is limited, can only see immediate next steps
• Doesn’t guarantee goal will be reached
• May fail to choose the less direct path with greater long-term benefits– Get a job immediately after graduation or continue studying
• Encourages short-term goals, rather than long-term solutions– Short term – job, financial stability
– Long term – rewarding career