On simulating the evolution of communication /
Noble, Jason.
Cliff, David.
University of Sussex.
Brighton [East Sussex] : University of Sussex at Brighton,
[1996].
Abstract: "The prospects for modelling the evolution of communication are considered, including the problem of intentional explanation, and the possibility of grounding simulation work in theoretical biology.  The seminal work of MacLennan and Burghardt (1994) on  the evolution of cooperative communication is described, and their experiment replicated.  Our results were broadly similar, in that evolved communication was observed, but specific differences are discussed. MacLennan and Burghardt's work is extended and their methodology critiqued in detail.  Their experiment remains a useful demonstration, but artefactual features make their results difficult to interpret. Furthermore, we argue that too many factors are simultaneously investigated for any general principles to be extracted, and suggest an alternative program of narrowly-focused simulations."
Cover title.
"May 1996."
Includes bibliographical references.
Abstract: "The prospects for modelling the evolution of communication are considered, including the problem of intentional explanation, and the possibility of grounding simulation work in theoretical biology.  The seminal work of MacLennan and Burghardt (1994) on  the evolution of cooperative communication is described, and their experiment replicated.  Our results were broadly similar, in that evolved communication was observed, but specific differences are discussed. MacLennan and Burghardt's work is extended and their methodology critiqued in detail.  Their experiment remains a useful demonstration, but artefactual features make their results difficult to interpret. Furthermore, we argue that too many factors are simultaneously investigated for any general principles to be extracted, and suggest an alternative program of narrowly-focused simulations."
Evolution (Biology)
Communication models.