A SIMPLE SYSTEM OF EVOLUTIONARY OPERATION SUBJECT TO EMPIRICAL FEEDBACK.
Abstract
Experimentation can lead to progress through empirical feedback or through scientific (technical) feedback; or more usually by some combination of both. Empirical feedback is typical of the 'try it and see' or Edisonian approach. Here information fed back from the experiment triggers a simple reaction like 'except a modification which increases yield.' By contrast scientific feedback occurs as an interaction between the data and the knowledge, experience, and imagination of the experimenter. It may result in reactions to data which are quite unpredictable by consideration of the data alone. An example would be the decision to vary in further experimentation certain specific factors not even considered in the previous stages of the work. An empirical feedback model for an elementary form of evolutionary operation is considered. From this investigation it is clear that the strategy necessary to achieve optimal empirical feedback might give very poor scientific feedback and vice versa. Because scientific feedback plays perhaps the most important part in most successful uses of evolutionary operation it would be inefficient in practice to adopt the optimal empirical feedback strategy. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0623698
Entities
People
- George E. P. Box
Organizations
- University of Wisconsin–Madison