Expert System Software: Use Only as Directed

Abstract

This article addresses concerns about the possible misuse of expert system software within the engineering profession. Without proper guidance, inexperienced users of expert systems could produce inaccurate answers to problems and not realize the inappropriateness of the results. We discuss the possible inability of an individual to determine the applicability, interpretation, and reasonableness of universally available computer-generated solutions. We also answer the question, How prevalent is this problem?