In this paper we compare various Sudoku solving algorithms in order to determine what kind of run-time improvements different optimizations can give. We will also examine what kind of effect the existence of multiple solutions in the puzzles has on our result.

Computer-based tests facilitate the collection of problem-solving processes, also known as process data. Response processes recorded in computer log files provide a new venue for investigating and understanding human behaviors. This thesis focuses on the development of statistical learning methods for process data and considers the following three problems. The first problem is feature extraction. Response processes are noisy and of non-standard formats. To exploit information in process data, we propose two generic methods that summarize response processes to vectors so that standard statistical tools such as regression models are applicable. In Chapter 2, features are extracted using multidimensional scaling and a pairwise dissimilarity measure of response processes. Chapter 3 utilizes autoencoder and recurrent neural network to explore the latent structure of process data. For both methods, empirical studies show that the extracted features preserve a substantial amount of information in the observed processes and have greater predictive power for many variables than the traditional item responses. The second problem is assessment based on process data. We present a statistical procedure in Chapter 4 that incorporates process information to improve the latent trait estimation of item response theory models. The procedure is data-driven and can be easily implemented by means of regression models. Theoretical guarantee is established for the mean squared error reduction. Application of this new process-data-based estimator to a real dataset shows that it achieves higher reliability than the traditional item-response-theory-based estimator. The third problem is identification of problem-solving strategies for exploratory analysis. The approach presented in Chapter 5 segments individual process into a sequence of more homogeneous subprocesses using action predictability. Each subprocess is associated with a subtask whereby long and complex response process can be transformed into shorter and more interpretable subtask sequence. Using this approach, problem-solving strategies can be visualized and compared among groups of respondents and process information can be decomposed for further analysis.

The just-in-time (JIT) production and inventory philosophy coupled with manufacturing automation in the form of computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) and its related facets are considered by many as great competitive weapons. The birth of JIT and its positive influence on the global strategic posture of Japanese firms is well-documented. In the 1980s many US manufacturers regarded JIT manufacturing as a peculiar Japanese contrivance, suited only to the oriental culture. However, as more companies with ever more diverse manufacturing environments successfully applied its principles, manufacturers recognized its inherent wisdom. Today, most US manufacturers have come to regard JIT as vital to their survival. This study examines the problems associated with the implementation of JIT in manufacturing environments and attempts to identify hindering factors for its success. An implementation strategy is proposed so that the organization will achieve the benefits of JIT and ultimately improve its strategic posture.

Individuals within the United States Forest Service, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and state park systems were studied to determine their integrative orientation (general problem solving strategies). This orientation involves a preference for trying new ideas, working within a long time frame, generalizing in planning or managing, taking risks, working in close association with others, examining many aspects of a problem, working on difficult problems, developing a variety of skills, and working on problems requiring continual revision. An attempt was made to relate this orientation to education, major field of study, agency, time, tasks, level in the organization, important skills, and situations in which skills are acquired. The results, for the most part, were inconclusive. However, much of this can be attributed to the sampling procedure and the format of the questionnaire. Integrative orientation tested with skills thought to be important yielded significant results, with definite differences appearing between the groups. The overall pattern which developed showed that an individual with a high integrative ability feels that a wider varie y of skills is more important than does an individual with less integrative ability.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a feedback cycle on problemsolving groups. A formal method, Systematic Multiple Level Observation of Groups (SYMLOG), was employed for the analysis of behavior in such groups. The system, which codes on multiple levels of communication, served both as a theoretical and an explanatory approach. Problemsolving groups which included a feedback session on group process were compared with problemsolving groups which were not given feedback. The study used primary data from SYMLOG field diagrams to determine whether group movement, leader movement, self-perceptions, and group satisfaction would be affected by feedback intervention. Quantitative techniques were employed to answer the research questions. Case study techniques involving SYMLOG field diagrams were used to discuss the results in a descriptive manner. The groups were analyzed on multiple levels of space using the bipolar three-dimensional model of SYMLOG: task-orientation vs. emotionally expressive, dominant vs. passive, and positive vs. negative. Findings indicated that the feedback cycle played a central role in both group satisfaction and leadership behavior but had little effect upon group movement over time and did not appear to change self-perceptions in any substantial manner.

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(情報学) / 甲第19120号 / 情博第566号 / 新制||情||99(附属図書館) / 32071 / 京都大学大学院情報学研究科社会情報学専攻 / (主査)准教授 松原 繁夫, 教授 田島 敬史, 教授 鹿島 久嗣 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Informatics / Kyoto University / DFAM

Creativity is increasing in value worldwide, but the processes underlying various creative abilities remain ambiguous. The most frequently used assessments of creativity (i.e., divergent thinking tasks; creative problem-solving tasks) differ in surface features and are also rarely examined together. These inconsistencies, in addition to mixed findings in the literature, have caused considerable debate among creativity researchers concerning the particular roles of independent or dual processes that lead to success on different creativity tests. The present study expounded upon these mixed findings using a factor analytic method. The results indicated that individual differences in working memory and fluency ability impact performance on divergent thinking and creative problem-solving tasks, but to differing degrees. These results are discussed as supporting a dual-process view of creative thinking.

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, with rates increasing over the past several decades. This study examined whether problem-solving performance differs in those with no suicide ideation or attempts compared to those with only suicide ideation and with those with a history of attempts. Results demonstrated that when accounting for depression, problem-solving accuracy was positively predictive for the suicidal ideation group. Furthermore, the suicidal ideation group solved more problems on average than both those with no history of suicidal thoughts and behaviors and the suicide attempt group. The current study was somewhat underpowered and therefore should be interpreted with caution. Additionally, this is the first study to use the problem-solving task when investigating suicide and the first to use the task in an online manner. The findings suggest some meaningful differences that will lay the groundwork for future investigations.

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