PCLEARN : A model for learning perceptual-chunks

Past research in cognitive science reveals that prototypical configurations of domain objects, called perceptual chunks, underlie the abilities of experts to solve problems efficiently. Little research, however, has been carried out on the mechanism used for learning perceptual chunks from solving problems. The present paper addresses this issue in the domain of geometry proof problem-solving. We have developed a computational model that chunks, from problem diagrams, configuration of the elements which are visually grouped together, based on perceptual chunking criterion. This criterion, called recognition rules, reflects how people see problem diagrams and thus works effectively to determine which portion of problem diagrams are more likely to be grouped as a chunk. This distinguishes the proposed method from the goal- oriented chunking techniques used in machine-learning community. Experiments on solving geometry problems show that our technique can detect essential diagram configurations common to many problems. Additionally, implications of the recognition rules are discussed from a cognitive point of view

CLIP: concept learning from inference patterns

AbstractA new concept-learning method called CLIP (concept learning from inference patterns) is proposed that learns new concepts from inference patterns, not from positive/negative examples that most conventional concept learning methods use. The learned concepts enable an efficient inference on a more abstract level. We use a colored digraph to represent inference patterns. The graph representation is expressive enough and enables the quantitative analysis of the inference pattern frequency. The learning process consists of the following two steps: (1) Convert the original inference patterns to a colored digraph, and (2) Extract a set of typical patterns which appears frequently in the digraph. The basic idea is that the smaller the digraph becomes, the smaller the amount of data to be handled becomes and, accordingly, the more efficient the inference process that uses these data. Also, we can reduce the size of the graph by replacing each frequently appearing graph pattern with a single node, and each reduced node represents a new concept. Experimentally, CLIP automatically generates multilevel representations from a given physical/single-level representation of a carry-chain circuit. These representations involve abstract descriptions of the circuit, such as mathematical and logical descriptions

Causes and Strategies for Overcoming Work Stress (A Case Study on PT. Bank Rakyat Indonesia Tbk Tondano Branch Office)

This study aims to determine the factors that give rise to work stress on the employees of PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia Tondano Branch Office, and propose effective strategies to overcome it. This research applied qualitative methodology by interview, observation, and documentation for data collection. The data were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model. The study was conducted in Tondano. The study findings indicate that work stress is attributable to several factors such as (a) conflicts with coworkers due to argumentations, (b) targeted and heavy workload, and (c), ill-adjusted work times. Therefore, the management's strategies to overcome it necessary to unveil are: (1) creating a flexible work atmosphere, (2) paying attention to employee's complaints, (3) encouraging employees by giving rewards, (4) making recreational program, (5) performing regular work rotations. Furthermore, the employees need to: (1) have short in-room break, (2) take a part in outdoor activities or enjoy hobbies on vacation, (3) improve quality work, (3) find suitable working partners able to create a cheerful atmosphere, and (4) improve quality work. The conclusion ends with a final comment that: (1) work conflict occurs when heated arguments arise among employees affecting their mental condition in carrying out their jobs, (2) excessive targeted workload makes them fall into depression since they are working around the clock, and (3) irregular working hours saps their energy since overmuch office hours lessens their family time

A Study of Diagrammatic Reasoning from Verbal and Gestural Data

This paper reports on an exploratory study of diagrammatic reasoning. Concurrent think-aloud protocols and gestures of subjects solving a set of device behavior hypothesis problems presented as labeled diagrams were collected. In addition to analyzing verbal protocols, the gestures and marks made by the subjects were examined and used to annotate encoded verbal data. A model of diagrammatic reasoiung in this task is proposed and compared with results of analyzing the protocols. Besides lending support to results of previous experimental studies, this study also revealed some interesting aspects of diagrammatic reasoning that merit further investigation