Goal directed policy conflict detection and prioritisation: an empirical evaluation

Abstract

We address the problem of developing effective automated reasoning support for the detection and resolution of conflicts between plans and policies (or norms). How automated reasoning mechanisms can effectively support human decision makers in this process is little understood. In this research, we have conducted experiments with human subjects to assess how effective these reasoning mechanisms are. We found that providing guidance to users regarding what problems to prioritise and highlighting related conflicts led to higher quality outcomes, and problems were successfully solved more rapidly.