When training a human to perform a new task, an expert explains concepts having to do with goals and high level techniques, relying on the human's ability to interpret and instantiate these into successful plans. The human apprentice must often watch the expert perform the task a number of times, and he continues to improve with practice. Artificial Intelligence may allow computers to shoulder a similar responsibility for learning. The research also fits within the Biological Intelligence area. Rational decision making is one application of DeJong's learning research.
Humans are magnificent at arriving at appropriate conclusions and behavior most of the time.
Indeed this is a hallmark, if not a potential definition of intelligence. However, it is well established that humans do not naturally reason by logical syllogisms. They employ some other inferential system. The research has lead to some new developmental psychology experiments, as well as reinterpretation of previously established psychological results. DeJong's sources of research support include the NSF, ONR, U.S. Army, and Yamaha.