Evolution of the Hypotheses Testing Approach in Intelligent Problem Solving Environments

Abstract

Abstract.In this paper, we compare different realizations of the hypotheses testing approach in the IPSEs (Intelligent Problem Solving Environments) ABSYNT, PETRI-HELP and MEDICUS and introduce the changes necessary to transfer the hypotheses testing approach to the real world domain of patent applications. Patent-IT is the first IPSE to overcome the limiting aspects of fixed specifications and a black box oracle. Hypothesis Testing and the IPSE ApproachThe hypotheses testing approach is a core concept of what we call intelligent problem solving environments (IPSE) ([8], [9]) and also gives a key qualification having a beneficial influence on the student's knowledge acquisition process. The learner acquires knowledge by actively exploring a domain, creating solution proposals for problems, testing hypotheses about their correctness, during which the system analyzes the proposals and provides help and explanations, making use of an oracle or an expert knowledge base. The IPSEs we developed initially had some limiting aspects such as fixed specifications and a black box oracle. We now present the IPSE Patent-IT, which does not exhibit these limitations. This has become necessary due to the rather demanding domain of inventions and patents. The novice should learn how to transform an inventive idea into a legal patent. The IPSE approach is psychologically based on the ISP-DL theory of knowledge acquisition and problem solving [8], which is influenced by theoretical assumptions of van Lehn [13], Newell [11], Anderson [1] and Gollwitzer [5]. It briefly states that new knowledge is acquired as a result of problem solving by applying weak heuristics in response to impasses. Furthermore, existing knowledge is optimized if applied successfully. The learner encounters four distinct problem solving phases namely deliberation, resulting in marking a goal as an intention, planning how to satisfy the intention, execution of the plan and evaluation of the result. Several design principles for IPSEs [8] could be drawn from the following assumptions:• The system should not interrupt the learner but offer help on demand. According to the theory, the learner will look for and appreciate help at an impasse.• Feedback and help information should be available on request at any time, taking the actual problem solving phase of the learner into account.