Newell and Simon's General Problem Solver (GPS)

Definition

The General Problem Solver (GPS) is a computer program developed by Allen Newell and Herbert A. Simon in the 1950s, designed to mimic human problem-solving abilities. GPS was one of the first attempts to create a universal algorithm capable of solving a variety of problems through heuristic search methods. This program set the groundwork for later cognitive models and artificial intelligence by demonstrating how cognitive processes can be simulated through computational means.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. GPS was groundbreaking as it utilized a formal system to represent problems, allowing for better understanding of human cognition.
2. The program operated using a means-ends analysis strategy, where it identified the difference between the current state and the goal state, then worked on reducing that difference.
3. GPS could tackle problems from various domains, showcasing its versatility as a cognitive model.
4. Newell and Simon's work with GPS significantly influenced the development of artificial intelligence by providing insight into how complex problem-solving could be encoded in machines.
5. Despite its limitations, such as difficulty with ill-defined problems, GPS laid the foundation for future research into both cognitive psychology and AI.

Review Questions

• How did Newell and Simon's General Problem Solver (GPS) demonstrate the application of heuristic methods in problem-solving?
  • Newell and Simon's GPS showcased the use of heuristics by employing a means-ends analysis strategy. This approach allowed the program to identify the gap between the current state and the desired goal state, focusing on reducing that gap through a series of steps. By using heuristics, GPS was able to generate solutions more efficiently than by relying solely on exhaustive search methods, highlighting how humans often rely on similar strategies in their own problem-solving processes.
• Discuss the implications of GPS for our understanding of cognitive architecture in relation to human problem-solving.
  • The development of GPS offered significant insights into cognitive architecture by illustrating how structured algorithms could mirror human thinking processes. By breaking down problems into smaller components and utilizing systematic approaches to reach solutions, GPS demonstrated how cognitive functions might operate similarly within humans. This provided a framework for future cognitive models that would seek to replicate or explain the complexities of human cognition through computational means.
• Evaluate the impact of Newell and Simon's work with GPS on the evolution of artificial intelligence research.
  • The introduction of GPS marked a pivotal moment in artificial intelligence research, as it showcased the potential for computers to simulate human-like problem-solving abilities. By illustrating how algorithms could be applied to diverse problems through heuristics, Newell and Simon opened up avenues for further exploration into machine learning and AI development. Their work laid the groundwork for more sophisticated AI systems by emphasizing the importance of understanding cognitive processes, leading to advancements in areas such as natural language processing and automated reasoning.

Related terms

Heuristic: A practical approach to problem-solving that employs a method or rule of thumb to find solutions more quickly than classical methods.

Algorithm: A step-by-step procedure or formula for solving a problem, often used in computer programming and mathematical calculations.

Cognitive Architecture: The underlying structure that dictates how cognitive processes occur in both humans and artificial systems, including memory, learning, and problem-solving.