OPTIMIST: A New Conflict Resolution Algorithm for ACT-R

Several studies have suggested recently that a more dynamic conflict resolution mechanism in the ACT–R cognitive architecture (Anderson & Lebiere, 1998) could improve the decision–making behaviour of cognitive models. This part of ACT–R theory is revisited and a new solution is proposed. The new algorithm (OPTIMIST) has been implemented as an overlay to the ACT–R architecture, and can be used as an alternative mechanism. The operation of the new algorithm is tested in a model of the classical Yerkes and Dodson experiment on animals’ learning. When OPTIMIST is used, the resulting model fits the data better than the previous model (e.g. R 2 increases from .85 to .93 in one example).

[1]  Roman V. Belavkin,et al.  On emotion, learning and uncertainty : a cognitive modelling approach , 2003 .

[2]  J. Myerson,et al.  The kinetics of choice: An operant systems analysis. , 1980 .

[3]  John R. Anderson,et al.  Rules of the Mind , 1993 .

[4]  Roman V. Belavkin,et al.  THE ROLE OF EMOTION IN PROBLEM SOLVING , 2001 .

[5]  R. Belavkin.  On relation between emotion and entropy , 2004 .

[6]  A. Tversky,et al.  Affect, Generalization, and the Perception of Risk. , 1983 .

[7]  C. Lebiere,et al.  The Atomic Components of Thought , 1998 .

[8]  Roman V. Belavkin.  Conflict resolution by random estimated costs , 2003 .

[9]  T. A. Mark,et al.  Kinetics of matching. , 1994, Journal of experimental psychology. Animal behavior processes.

[10]  Gary Jones,et al.  Using a Cognitive Architecture to Examine what Develops , 2000, Psychological science.

[11]  John R. Anderson,et al.  History of Success and Current Context in Problem Solving Combined Influences on Operator Selection , 1996, Cognitive Psychology.

[12]  Mike Fitzpatrick.  Choice , 2004, The Lancet.

[13]  R. Yerkes,et al.  The relation of strength of stimulus to rapidity of habit‐formation , 1908 .

[14]  J. L. Myers,et al.  DIFFERENTIAL MONETARY GAINS AND LOSSES AND EVENT PROBABILITY IN A TWO-CHOICE SITUATION. , 1963, Journal of experimental psychology.

[15]  Frank E. Ritter,et al.  The Use of Entropy for Analysis and Control of Cognitive Models , 2003 .

[16]  A. Tversky,et al.  The framing of decisions and the psychology of choice. , 1981, Science.