Theory of serial pattern production: Tree traversals

Abstract

Structural information about a serial pattern may be encoded in the form of a hierarchical memory code. Conversely, when the pattern is to be produced, the memory code should be decoded. In this article, a theory on serial pattern production is proposed that builds on F. Restle's (see record 1971-03427-001) theory of structural trees and, especially, on the process models for sequence production developed by J. G. Greeno and H. A. Simon (see record 1974-29157-001). According to the tree traversal interpreter presented in the present paper, a structural tree corresponds to the interpretive process that operates on a hierarchical memory code. A comparative analysis of computational properties and psychological relevance is substantiated by empirical test and extension to recent work on the internal representation of music. (27 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1982 American Psychological Association.