Selection strategies for "Mastermind" problems

The popular problem-solving game of Mastermind may be considered a complex concept-learning problem with a selection paradigm and an unusual set of feedback rules. Analysis of the game tree for a simplified version of Mastermind suggested 2 selection strategies--focusing and tactical--analogous to t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of experimental psychology. Learning, memory, and cognition memory, and cognition, 1982-09, Vol.8 (5), p.475-483
Main Authors: Laughlin, Patrick R, Lange, Rense, Adamopoulos, John
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Concept Formation
Games
Human
Problem Solving
Strategies
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Summary:The popular problem-solving game of Mastermind may be considered a complex concept-learning problem with a selection paradigm and an unusual set of feedback rules. Analysis of the game tree for a simplified version of Mastermind suggested 2 selection strategies--focusing and tactical--analogous to those identified in previous research (e.g., J. S. Bruner et al, 1956; and E. S. Johnson, on other concept-learning problems. It was predicted that performance would be better for Ss who used these 2 strategies than for those who did not. This prediction was supported in 2 experiments with 256 college students, both for Ss who freely chose the 2 strategies and for those who were induced to use them. It is proposed that Mastermind is an interesting and useful addition to standard tasks for concept-learning research. (10 ref)
ISSN:0278-7393
1939-1285
DOI:10.1037/0278-7393.8.5.475