Decision Programming: A Model of Man-Machine Control

Abstract

A stochastic equation is used to generate a sequence of pointer positions on a voltmeter dial. The successive positions are characterized by a ``drift'' parameter and a ``noise'' parameter. The voltmeter dial also shows a pair of symmetrical tolerances. A subject and a machine share the task of maintaining the pointer within the tolerances. The task is accomplished by repetitively asking and answering three questions: 1) Is the pointer now within the specified tolerances?, 2) If not, what corrective action is appropriate?, and 3) Was the preceding corrective action effective in maintaining control over the pointer?