A Theory of the Acquisition of Cognitive Skills.
John R. Anderson, Paul Kline, Charles M. Beasley · Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) · 1978
The paper describes the ACT theory of learning. The theory is embodied as a computer simulation program that makes predictions about human learning of various cognitive skills such as language fluency, study skills for social science texts, problem-solving skills in mathematics, and computer programming skills. The learning takes place within the ACT theory of the performance of such skills. This theory involves a propositional network representation of general factual knowledge and a production system representation of procedural knowledge. Skill learning mainly involves addition and modification of the productions. There are five mechanisms by which this takes place: Designation, strengthening, generalization, discrimination, and composition. Each of these five learning mechanisms is discussed in detail and related to available data in procedural learning.