People divide complex tasks into simpler subtasks in a way that balances ease of planning with efficient behavior, consistent with a new computational theory (IMAGE)
Caption
Dividing a task into simpler subtasks can make planning easier. At bottom, the task requires navigating a maze from the entry (at left) to the exit (at right; glowing arrow). At top, the maze is divided into subtasks, showing two key elements of hierarchical planning: an abstract plan between subtasks (boxes) and a concrete plan from the entry to the first subgoal (glowing circle). Dividing the task in this way makes it easier to plan. Our research article finds that people choose subgoals by balancing ease of planning with efficient behavior, consistent with our computational theory.
Credit
Carlos G. Correa, CC-BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
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Credit must be given to the creator.
License
CC BY