Psychological Issues in the Design of Expert Systems
Recent advances in the artificial intelligence technology of knowledge-based expert systems have captivated the imaginations of designers, sponsors, and suppliers of computer-based systems in government and industry as well as researchers in university and non-profit laboratories where the technology originated. An expert system is essentially a way to capture the knowledge and expertise of a subject-matter expert and transfer it to a computer program in hopes of creating an “intelligent” computer system that will emulate the problem-solving and decision-making performance of the expert. Such systems are being built to serve as intelligent advisors and decision aids in a wide variety of application areas. We discuss conceptual issues underlying expert system design, with references to current psychological and artificial intelligence literature, and urge Consideration of these issues before undertaking development of expert systems.