A Methodology for Developing Adaptive Fuzzy Cognitive Maps for Decision Support

Abstract

Differential Hebbian Learning (DHL) was proposed by Kosko as an unsupervised learning scheme for Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCMs). DHL can be used with a sequence of state vectors to adapt the causal link strengths of an FCM. However, it does not guarantee learning of the sequence by the FCM and no concrete procedures for the use of DHL has been developed. In this paper a formal methodology is proposed for using DHL in the development of FCMs in a decision support context. The four steps in the methodology are: (1) Creation of a crisp cognitive map; (2) Identification of event sequences for use in DHL; (3) Event sequence encoding using DHL; (4) Revision of the trained FCM. Feasibility of the proposed methodology is demonstrated with an example involving a dynamic system with feedback based on a real-life scenario.