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Events for August 08, 2013

• Aug

  08

  PhD Defense - Marc Spraragen

  Thu, Aug 08, 2013 @ 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM

  Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science

  University Calendar

  
  

  Committee: Prof. Michael Zyda (Chair), Prof. Michael Arbib, Dr. James Blythe, Prof. Azad Madni (Outside Member)
  
  Title: Computational Modeling of Emotional Effects on Decision-Making by Agents in Game-based Simulations
  
  Abstract:
  
  My research is focused on computational models of emotional effects on agent decision-making in game-based simulations.
  
  AI agents are playing an increasingly important role in game-based simulations. Agent behavior has been improving from the purely robotic to more humanlike models based on ACT-R and other cognitive architectures. An important aspect of humanlike behavior is changing emotional states. However, effects of emotional state on decision-making have not been sufficiently addressed in agent architectures used in game-based simulations. Fortunately, such effects are well studied in cognitive science. That body of work provides a sound basis for creating computational models of emotionally sensitive agents.
  
  The research problem I addressed is the development of computational agent models that reflect the influence of human emotional state on decision-making in game-based simulations. A motivating example is that of an agent running a nuclear power plant simulation as an operator. The agent, observing a sudden drop in cooling water pressure, needs to make several correct assumptions and decisions in
  short order. Those decisions require attention focus, recall
  ability, and precise choices, all of which are human processes susceptible to changes in emotional state. For instance, an operator in a positive emotional state is more likely to be optimistic and underestimate the chances of a pipe rupture or similar critical cause for the loss of water pressure, whereas an operator in a negative emotional state is more likely to suspect such a cause and act accordingly. My research hypothesis is that an emotional agent architecture that combines principles from cognitive science and computational modeling can produce realistic decision-making behaviors in tasks required for complex system simulation domains.
  

  Location: Henry Salvatori Computer Science Center (SAL) - 222

  Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

  Contact: Lizsl De Leon