The MEDIATOR: Analysis of an Early Case‐Based Problem Solver4

Case‐based reasoning is a reasoning method that capitalizes on previous experience. In case‐based reasoning, a new problem is solved in a way that is analogous to a previous similar problem. Case‐based reasoning can improve problem‐solving behavior in several ways: by providing reasoning shortcuts, by warning of the potential for error, and by suggesting a focus for reasoning. The MEDIATOR was one of the earliest case‐based, problem‐solving programs. Its domain is dispute resolution, and it uses case‐based reasoning for 10 different tasks involved in its problem solving. While some of the MEDIATOR's processes have been elaborated and improved on in later case‐based problem solvers, there remain many lessons that can be learned about case‐based reasoning by analyzing the MEDIATOR's behavior. This article provides a short description of the MEDIATOR and its domain, presents its successes and shortcomings, and analyzes the reasons why it behaves the way it does. As part of the analysis, the differences and similarities between the MEDIATOR and later case‐based reasoners are also described, as well as the implications of those differences.