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1. An Algorithmic Approach to Curriculum Construction: Development, Computer Implementation, and Evaluation of a Method for Identifying Instructional Content Sequences.

Author

Wulfeck, Wallace H., II

Abstract

This paper describes an investigation of problem sequencing as part of a symposium presenting theoretical concerns and research findings regarding several diverse types of strategies for designing and presenting instructional materials. The first step involved analyzing a set of problems, to determine the knowledge (rules) required for solving the problems. A set of geometric construction problems was analyzed using a method for deriving and simplifying rules or algorithms for solving the problems. Next, assumptions were adopted concerning how subjects learn and apply rules to solve problems. A computer was programmed according to these assumptions, and given some of the simplified rules identified during the previous step, in order to simulate some aspects of subjects' problem-solving and learning. Various problem sequences were then given to the program, to identify those that were solvable and "learnable." Finally, for initial evaluation of the approach, sequences that were learnable for the program were given to subjects, whose performance was compared with the performance of subjects given random or learner-controlled sequences. (Author/MLF)

Published
1977

2. Findings and Implications of a Descriptive Approach to Thinking.

Author

Aanstoos, Christopher M.

Abstract

In this paper the theory that human thinking proceeds according to the computer model, or symbol manipulation, is reviewed and challenged. The research used as subjects five highly rated tournament chess players who "thought aloud" during a chess game to provide tape recorded protocols of decisions made while playing. These protocols were then analyzed phenomenologically in three steps. Results are presented for nine specific issues in which the phenomenological approach differs from computer simulation programs: the look ahead function, purposiveness, goal seeking, memory, overall sense of the task, level of knowing, role of experience, expectations, and opponent's style. The most significant general divergence between the two methods is noted as the computer's ability to thematize millions of possible subsequent combinations of moves while a person can thematize only a few dozen possibilities. The paper concludes that, given the divergence between the two models, a descriptive method can be useful for the psychology of thinking. Results are followed by a list of references. (ABB)

Published
1985

3. Selected Research Publications in Cognitive Science by Rand Staff: 1978-1979.

Author

Rand Corp., Santa Monica, CA. and Anderson, R. H.

Abstract

This selective bibliography of recent publications by Rand researchers in the Information Processing Systems research program includes only those papers concerned with the broad range of topics in cognitive science. These topics include the modeling of complex human behavior, the construction of intelligent computer systems, and the representation of knowledge in human and computer memories; the research draws upon the disciplines of cognitive psychology, educational psychology, computer science, artificial intelligence, and linguistics. The first of two sections provides abstracts for papers published between April 1978 and April 1979. The second section contains a list of titles published prior to April 1978 which are abstracted in Rand Paper P-5950. Titles are arranged alphabetically with topic and author indexes, and information is provided for obtaining reprints of the listed publications. (Author/RAA)

Published
1979