| Intelligent agents and cognitive models are useful for a number of purposes. Unfortunately, limited theory-based tool and language support for the creation of intelligent agents has made it difficult for modelers to create, debug, and reuse agent software. This dissertation explores how to make it easier to create intelligent agents, and especially cognitive models, by taking advantage of established software engineering principles. The benefits of applying software engineering principles to intelligent agent development is demonstrated with the creation of a high-level language and development environment that embodies these principles, and with an evaluation of this language and environment, in use, by students and cognitive modelers. |
