Memory and Action Selection in Human-Machine Interaction

5Cognitive Chrono-ethnography

In the previous chapters, a cognitive architecture for action selection and memorization has been discussed. It provides the mechanism for analyzing how human beings would select their next actions in an ever-changing environment by synchronizing unconscious fast processes and conscious slow processes, and what would do by using MD memory frames, which themselves evolve over time as human beings interact with the environment by performing actions and reflecting on the results of performance. On the basis of this understanding of human beings’ action selection and memorization, this chapter introduces a theoretically motivated study methodology for understanding human beings’ activities in real life situations.

5.1. Understanding people’s behavior in real life

A series of a person’s action selections can be regarded as a result of moment-by-moment problem-solving activities. The problem in this situation is in realizing a goal state by successively applying moves in the problem space. Each move causes a transition from one state to another and the move finally chosen at a specific state depends on the available resources that he or she can manipulate during the allowed time. Remember that moves can happen in a varied timescale as indicated by Newell’s time scale of human action (see Figure 2.11). If enough time is provided, it is possible for him or her to select a move that has a greater expected benefit. In this situation, he or she can utilize ...