Computing the Similarity of Sequential Behavior

Abstract

Current technology provides researchers' the capability to collect high-density/high-definition data. However, the potential of such capabilities is diminished without the availability of objective analyses. For example, techniques to objectively compare two complete behavioral routines, two subsections within the same routine, or two subsections between two different routines have been elusive. The capability to objectively compare interactive routines of behavior will enable researchers to study the adoption and evolution of such routines. In this paper a technique is proposed to objectively compare behavioral routines, whether the data are obtained from a human or embodied computational model. This technique offers the promise of solving what Anderson (2002) regarded as the non-determinism problem of modeling behavior at the 100-ms level of behavior. The technique is housed within a software tool for integrating and analyzing fixed-location and movement data collected from eyes and cursors, simultaneously (Myers & Schoelles, in press).