Communication requirements for cooperative problem solving systems

Gerhard Fischer
1990 Information Systems  
Despite lip service that "most knowledge-based systems are intended to be of assistance to human endeavor and are almost never intended to be autonomous agents", knowledge-based systems research has not been focused enough on the nature and the requirements of cooperative problem solving systems. The emphasis of our work is on creating computer systems to facilitate the cooperation between a human and a computer. Cooperation requires more from a system than having a nice user interface or
more » ... ting natural language dialogs. One needs a richer theory of problem solving, which analyzes the functions of shared representations, mixed-initiative dialogs, argumentation and management of trouble. Our evolving theoretical framework for this approach has led to a number of prototypical systems developments which serve as vehicles for future research. Examination of these systems provides evidence that learning and effective problem solving can be improved through the use of cooperative problem solving systems. Key words: Cooperative problem solving, expert systems, mixed initiative dialogs, shared knowledge, natural communication, speaker vs listener role, situation model vs system model, information access, information volunteering, design environments, HELGON, SYSTEMS' ASSISTANT, JANUS. 7 V , .. Cooperative problem solving systems 35
doi:10.1016/0306-4379(90)90014-g fatcat:nikhnvcdyrcmde7tw3qo2h6cqu