Explanatory pitfalls and rule-based driver models

Abstract

Driver models should refer to either of two levels of explanation, (1) the rational or intentional level that is usually taken to represent the aggregate behavior of the driver population, or (2) the functional level which deals with intra-individual information processing. Frequently the two levels are confounded, which is likely to introduce serious theoretical problems--vicious circles and pernicious homunculi among them. After a conceptual analysis of the confounding problem, arguments in favor of a radical functionalistic (process-level) approach are put forward. Rule-based modeling, using some advanced production system architecture, appears to be the most promising inroad to better theories of driver behavior.