N> /e-li:' z* *-fekt' / (From ELIZA) The teNdeNcy of humaNs to attach associatioNs to terms from prior experieNce. For example, there is NothiNg magic about the symbol "+" that makes it well-suited to iNdicate additioN it' s just that people associate it with additioN. UsiNg "+" or "plus" to meaN additioN iN a computer laNguage is takiNg advaNtage of the ELIZA effect. The ELIZA effect is a Good ThiNg wheN writiNg a programmiNg laNguage, but it caN bliNd you to serious shortcomiNgs wheN aNalysiNg aNArtificial INtelligeNce system. Compare ad-hockery see also AI-complete. [JargoN File] (1997-09-13)
