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Alan Newell has seen the complete evolution of
the modern computer; his career has spanned the entire computer era.
After receiving degrees in physics, mathematics and industrial
administration, Newell set his sights on computers. Dr. Newell is
famous for introducing the first rule-based model of human and computer
problem-solving. Newell believed that computers could process symbols
and numbers much like humans do. If programmed properly, a computer
could solve problems in the same way humans solve problems. With the
help of Herbert Simon in the 1960s, Newell created computer models of human
problem-solving that heavily influenced the "cognitive revolution" in the
field of psychology. Most of Newell's research since the 1980s is
directed at SOAR, a software system capable of learning and solving problems
in a human-like fashion. Currently, Newell is researching user
interfaces for the elderly and people with disabilities. |
