This report describes the principal findings and recommendations of a 2-year Rand research project on machine-aided knowledge acquisition and discusses the transfer of expertise from humans to machines, as well as the functions of planning, debugging, knowledge refinement, and autonomous machine learning. The relative advantages of humans and…

Examines electronic aids to translation both as ways to automate it and as an approach to solve problems resulting from shortage of qualified translators. Describes the limitations of robotic MT (Machine Translation) systems, viewing MAT (Machine-Aided Translation) as the only practical solution and the best vehicle for further automation. (MES)

Presents a new model of searching in online and other information systems, and reviews the literature of manual information seeking behavior for suggestions of capabilities users might like in online systems. Based on the model--called "berrypicking"--and research, suggestions are made for how new search capabilities could be implemented…

Discusses the feasibility and advantages of developing an enhancement for document retrieval systems that would automatically impose Boolean syntax on an input set of search terms. An online specification for such an enhancement is presented, based on experimental results using the MEDLINE database. (13 references) (CLB)

Describes a study that measured the speed, error rates, and subjective evaluation of arrow jump keys, a jump mouse, number keys, and a touch screen in an interactive encyclopedia. The results of previous studies are discussed as well as the findings of this study. Improvements in selection devices are suggested. (41 references) (Author/CLB)

Presents a conceptual framework for the development of decision support systems which outlines abstractions involved in the decision-making process and describes various functions and components of the system. The computer architecture is described and an example of an application is provided. (31 references) (Author/CLB)

This document presents a discussion of the development of a set of software tools to assist in the construction of interfaces to simulations and real-time systems. Presuppositions to the approach to interface design that was used are surveyed, the tools are described, and the conclusions drawn from these experiences in graphical interface design…

Describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of a voice interface for the British Library Blaise Online Information Retrieval System. Results of the evaluation show that the use of currently available speech recognition and synthesis hardware, along with intelligent software, can provide an interface well suited to the needs of online…

The most time consuming and expensive step in developing expert systems is knowledge acquisition (KA), and it is important to determine how the limited resources for acquiring knowledge should be allocated across different sources. This paper develops a model that determines how KA resources should be spent and how such a model may be used. (23…

Describes the theoretical framework of a research project aimed at exploring the new potentials for instructional systems offered by videodisc technology and artificial intelligence. A prototype of an intelligent tutoring system, "Earth," is described, and types of interactions in instructional systems are discussed as they relate to the…

This paper presents framework specifications for an instructional systems development (ISD) expert system. The goal of the proposed ISD expert system is to improve the means by which educators design, produce, and evaluate the instructional development process. In the past several decades, research and theory development in the fields of…

One means by which subordinate leaders in armor units can practice command, control, and communication (C3 skills) before participating in field exercises is with the use of a computer supported battle simulation. This report describes the functional requirements and hardware configuration for Simulation in Combined Arms Training (SIMCAT), a…

Part of a sustained program that has involved the design of personally tailored information systems responsive to the needs of scientists performing common research and teaching tasks, this project focuses on the procedural and content requirements for accomplishing need diagnosis and presents these requirements as specifications for an…

Presents a four-stage hypothesis of information systems development based on computational capability, storage capability, communications capability, and effective voice input. Moore's Law and Mooers' Law are explained, the interface between the system and the user is discussed, and projections for the future are suggested. (21 references)…

Describes two research projects based on QUEST and proposes an information handling model. Design, interrogation, and evaluation of data files are discussed relative to restraints imposed by child's developmental stage and nature of software employed. Implications of computer-related information handling for curriculum design and children's…