Case-Based Reasoning in Transfer Learning

Positive transfer learning (TL) occurs when, after gaining experience from learning how to solve a (source) task, the same learner can exploit this experience to improve performance and/or learning on a different (target) task. TL methods are typically complex, and case-based reasoning can support them in multiple ways. We introduce a method for recognizing intent in a source task, and then applying that knowledge to improve the performance of a case-based reinforcement learner in a target task. We report on its ability to significantly outperform baseline approaches for a control task in a simulated game of American football. We also compare our approach to an alternative approach where source and target task learning occur concurrently, and discuss the tradeoffs between them.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2009
• Where: ICCBR
• Authors: David W. Aha, Matthew Molineaux, Gita Sukthankar
• Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Case-based Reinforcement Learner, ICCBR 2009, Target Task, Task Learning Occur