Adaptive Search Using a Reproductive Meta‐plan

A reproductive plan is a type of adaptive procedure devised by Holland which embodies many principles found in the adaptation of natural systems through evolution. This study develops a reproductive meta‐plan, an adaptive procedure that controls the modification of parameter values in a reproductive plan. After a brief review of Holland's formalization of reproductive plans, a non‐reproductive meta‐plan devised by Cavicchio is discussed. In response to some of the limitations of Cavicchio's approach, a reproductive meta‐plan is developed. Experiments with computer implementations of both meta‐plans show improvement in a reproductive plan's utility gain when the reproductive meta‐plan is used.