This study evaluates the practical and theoretical suitability of the cognitive modelling tool Soar for modelling complex dynamic task behaviour. This tool is based on psychological insights in human problem solving. In fact, one of the claims of the makers of Soar is that Soar may be considered a general theory of human problem solving or, even stronger, a unified theory of cognition. Much of the literature that describes the use of Soar as a cognitive modelling tool focuses on fairly static tasks that do not require interactive real-time problem solving. There is far less literature that describes the cognitive modelling of more dynamic tasks. In this study the author will concentrate on complex, interactive real-time problem solving behaviour and examine the extent to which Soar is also suitable for modelling this type of behaviour. The task to be considered to be eminently suitable as an example of a complex, interactive real-time task is that of driving a car in critical traffic situations. In this study is described how cognitive model of driver behaviour is developed. The model is in fact a computer simulation of a car driver able to survive in a simulated traffic world. It handles the elementary driver tasks of navigation, speed control and lane keeping as well as the more basic tasks like visual orientation and motor control. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting