1st Edition

Complex Information Processing The Impact of Herbert A. Simon

Edited By David Klahr, Kenneth Kotovsky Copyright 1989
    480 Pages
    by Psychology Press

    Here, several leading experts in the area of cognitive science summarize their current research programs, tracing Herbert A. Simon's influence on their own work -- and on the field of information processing at large. Topics covered include problem- solving, imagery, reading, writing, memory, expertise, instruction, and learning. Collectively, the chapters reveal a high degree of coherence across the various specialized disciplines within cognition -- a coherence largely attributable to the initial unity in Simon's seminal and pioneering contributions.

    Contents: Part I:Representation and Constraint in Complex Processing. S.M. Kosslyn, M.A. Sokolov, J.C. Chen, The Lateralization of BRIAN: A Computational Theory and Model of Visual Hemispheric Specialization. P.A. Carpenter, M.A. Just, The Role of Working Memory in Language Comprehension. K. Kotovsky, D. Fallside, Representation and Transfer in Problem Solving. K. Dunbar, D. Klahr, Developmental Differences in Scientific Discovery Processes. G.A. Miller, Scientists of the Artificial. Part II:Expertise in Human and Artificial Systems. E.A. Feigenbaum, What Hath Simon Wrought?. N. Charness, Expertise in Chess and Bridge. J.R. Hayes, Writing Research: The Analysis of a Very Complex Task. K.A. Ericsson, J.J. Staszewski, Skilled Memory and Expertise: Mechanisms of Exceptional Performance. R. Glaser, Expertise and Learning: How Do We Think About Instructional Processes Now That We Have Discovered Knowledge Structures? Part III:Instruction and Skill Acquisition. J.G. Greeno, Situations, Mental Models, and Generative Knowledge. J.H. Larkin, Display-Based Problem Solving. J.R. Anderson, The Analogical Origins of Errors in Problem Solving. Part IV:Science and Thought. H.A. Simon, The Scientist as Problem Solver. A. Newell, Epilogue.Putting It All Together. A. Newell, How It All Got Put Together.

    Biography

    David Klahr, Kenneth Kotovsky

    "It is an impressive book, a worthy tribute to a man who pioneered and has continued to be at the forefront of cognitive science....Overall, I acquired a clearer view of and a deeper appreciation for Simon's impact on cognition. The chapters are well written, always beginning with a straightforward mission statement....the excellent illustrations throughout usually compensated more than adequately. When students tell me at the of a course "Thanks, I learned a lot," I take it as a compliment. I extend that same compliment to the editors and authors of this book, and especially to Herbert A. Simon."
    Contemporary Psychology