Computational Models of Skill Acquisition
Stellan Ohlsson · Cambridge University Press eBooks · 2023
Computer models of the acquisition of cognitive skills build on a long and progressive tradition of research. Since 1979, a wide range of psychologically plausible mechanisms for learning during skill practice have been implemented in computational models. This repertoire of mechanisms goes a long way towards answering the questions implied by Fitts’ (1964) division of practice into three phases: How does skill practice get started? How is a partially learned skill improved during practice? How does a skill change as practice is extended beyond mastery? Nine distinct modes of learning are identified. Each can be implemented in several different ways. The majority of models explain the speed-up of task completion that occurs during practice. There are fewer attempts to model the origin, consequences, and ultimate elimination of errors.