Simulation and analysis of controlled multi-representational reasoning processes

Abstract

Multi-representation reasoning processes often show a variety of reasoning paths that can be followed. To analyse such reasoning processes with special attention for differences between individuals, it is required (1) to obtain an overview of the variety of possibilities and (2) to address navigation and control within the reasoning process. This paper presents a simulation model and analysis for the dynamics of a controlled reasoning process in which multiple representations play a role. Strategies to navigate through the space of possible reasoning states are modelled explicitly, and simulated. Simulation results are analysed by software tools on the basis of formalised dynamic properties.