Problem vs task views: implications for knowledge acquisition

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss the differences between the problem view and task view of an expert domain. The in-depth analysis shows that the problem view of a domain is usually held by domain experts and scientists and reflects how they approach real-world problem solving, whereas ordinary domain practitioners possess a task view, in which they perform tasks 'step by step'. We conclude that during knowledge acquisition from the domain expert, the knowledge engineer should investigate what the problem view the domain expert has, and that view will help the knowledge engineer to have a deep understanding of expert problem solving.