Computer science researchers have programmed a computer to
play the game Concentration (also known as Memory). The work could help improve
computer security – and improve our understanding of how the human mind works.
The researchers developed a program to get the software
system called ACT-R, a computer simulation that attempts to replicate human
thought processes, to play Concentration. In the game, multiple matching pairs
of cards are placed face down in a random order, and players are asked to flip
over two cards, one at a time, to find the matching pairs. If a player flips
over two cards that do not match, the cards are placed back face down. The
player succeeds by remembering where the matching cards are located.