This paper explores the use of learning as a practical tool in problem solving. The idea that learning should and eventually will be a vital component of most Artificial Intelligence programs is pursued. Current techniques in learning systems are compared. A detailed discussion of the problems of representing, modifying, and creating heuristics is…

A formal theory of human understanding was developed and embodied in a computer program, UNDERSTAND, which simulates the understanding processes. Due to the number of alternative processing choices, some assumptions were made which are analyzed based on their validity. (Author/DEP)

Most current information processing theories of cognition and memory share one common feature: the structure (state-space) of memory is fixed and retrieval from memory involves searching through that structure. Learning, where it is treated at all, involves transforming one such structure into another. This form of representation is questioned and…