Overview

For this assignment, you will converse with Eliza, a simple computer program that engages in English conversation.

Access Eliza

Use the version of Eliza that is online and can run in your web browser.

Experiment with Eliza

Interact with Eliza in a variety of ways in order to determine the following:

• In what ways does Eliza use your text to respond?
• Does Eliza have any memory of the conversation?
• Does Eliza employ anything that could correspond to mental models when responding?
• In what ways is Eliza similar to how humans conduct a conversation?
• In what ways is Eliza different to how humans conduct a conversation?

You may want to read more about Eliza online. It is also possible to view the computer program (written in javascript) that runs Eliza by right-clicking and then selecting "View page source."

Report

Write a report that summarizes your experience. It should include the following:

• A summary of your interaction including your process for learning how Eliza works.
• Your responses to the listed questions.
• Application of course concepts (e.g. mental models, rules) when describing your interaction or addressing the questions.
• Supporting examples.

The report can typically be less than two single-spaced pages. Helpful use of formatting (e.g. section headers, lists, quotes) is encouraged.

The report should be uploaded to D2L on or before the due date.

Grading

This project is worth 20 points. The following grading scheme will be applied when reviewing the reports:

• Coverage (8 points) The report addresses all of the assignment requirements.
• Insight (8 points) The report draws upon course concepts (e.g. mental models, rules) with substantive detail. Conclusions are well supported.
• Readability (4 points) The report is well written, easy to understand and makes helpful use of formatting.