Simulation Systems for Cognitive Psychology

Abstract

Three views of the function of computer simulation in cognitive psychology are analyzed. The strong view that computer simulations will produce more rigorously specified theories is seen to be overstating the case. Two more pragmatic views are supported. One looks at computer method as a means of exploring or validating psychological theories. The other looks to computer simulation as a source of useful concepts. Several simulation efforts are presented as illustrations of these latter views. After establishing some perspective on the uses of simulation, the discussion turns to psychological simulation languages, and to aspects of programming environments which facilitate simulation work. A new simulation language, PRISM, is described.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1982
Accession Number
ADA123394

Entities

People

  • Robert Neches

Organizations

  • University of Pittsburgh

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • C4I
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Cognition
  • Cognitive Science
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Computer Science
  • Computers
  • Concept Formation
  • Information Processing
  • Information Science
  • Information Systems
  • Language
  • Military Research
  • Programming Languages
  • Psychology
  • Recognition
  • Simulation Languages

Fields of Study

  • Psychology

Readers

  • Computer Science.
  • Organizational Psychology.
  • Software Engineering.