3 research outputs found
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Considerations in designing a cybernetic simple 'learning' model; and an overview of the problem of modelling learning
This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.Learning is viewed as a central feature of living systems and must be manifested in any artifact that claims to exhibit general intelligence. The central aims of the thesis are twofold: (1) - To review and critically assess the empirical and theoretical aspects of learning as have been addressed in a multitude of disciplines, with the aim of extracting fundamental features and elements. (2) - To develop a more systematic approach to the cybernetic modelling of learning than has been achieved hitherto. In pursuit of aim (1) above the following discussions are included: Historical and Philosophical backgrounds; Natural learning, both physiological and psychological aspects; Hierarchies of learning identified in the evolutionary, functional and developmental senses; An extensive section on the general problem of modelling of learning and the formal tools, is included as a link between aims (1) and (2). Following this a systematic and historically oriented study of cybernetic and other related approaches to the problem of modelling of learning is presented. This then leads to the development of a state-of-the-art general purpose experimental cybernetic learning model. The programming and use of this model is also fully described, including an elaborate scheme for the manifestation of simple learning
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Applications of Complexity Theory in an English Metropolitan Police Force
This research addresses the question āCan the methods of complexity theory be used in UK policing as an enabling tool for policy intervention, in providing evidence of possible consequences before policies are implemented?ā
A literature study shows complexity theory is without consensus on epistemology and application. Methodology is developed for exploring motivational consequences of policies on the workforce, involving building mathematical models using hypernetwork theory as the basis for computer simulation and a promising route to engage with practitioners. It is illustrated by the motivation of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) in the Neighbourhood Policing system of Greater Manchester Police. The computational model is based on qualitative data collected using Thematic Coding. This produced ābehavioural codesā defined as vertices. Six most prevalent were selected and combined into a hypersimplex:
Purpose (feedback)
Availability of supervision
Threat of harm
Relevance to role
Orientation to geographic responsibility
Lone working
The acronym facilitated design of the simulation. It also offers a conceptual model where combinations of vertices connect in given scenarios, supporting dialogue between policy maker and computer modeller and insights into simulated possible policy consequences on staff. This enables the policy maker to explore sufficient conditions for outcomes to be obtained that satisfied the policy objectives but not at the expense of staff motivation.
Experiments established two concepts: combinatorial compensation and combinatorial tempering as adaptation of simulated policy conditions. The nature of hypernetworks introduce non-linearity into policy design, as multiple dimensions are being considered to achieve objectives, where combinations are not predictable from individual dimensions.
A central tenet of the thesis is complexity science can be applied without computer programming skills, and āmodellingā can be done long before writing code. Following this there is an iterative interaction as the policy maker uses the program and requests the programmer for new or changed functionality.
The method is proposed as a general framework for Agent-Based Modelling (ABM) of human systems