An analysis of initiative selection in collaborative task-oriented discourse

In this paper we propose a number of principles and conjectures for mixed-i nitiative collaborative dialogs. We explore some methodologies for managing initiative between conversational participants. We mathematically analyze specific initiative-changing mechanisms based on a probabilistic knowledge base and user model. We look at the role of negotiation in managing initiat ive and quantify how the negotiation process is useful toward modifying use r models. Some experimental results using computer-computer simulations are presented along with some discussion of how such studies are useful toward building human-computer systems.