On Evolutionary Exploration and Exploitation

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Eiben, A.E. | Schippers, C.A.

Affiliations: Leiden University / CWI Amsterdam Leiden / Amsterdam, The Netherlands [email protected] | Leiden University Leiden, The Netherlands [email protected]

Note: [] Address for correspondence: Leiden University, CWI Amsterdam, Leiden / Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Note: [] Address for correspondence: Leiden University, CWI Amsterdam, Leiden / Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Abstract: Exploration and exploitation are the two cornerstones of problem solving by search. The common opinion about evolutionary algorithms is that they explore the search space by the (genetic) search operators, while exploitation is done by selection. This opinion is, however, questionable. In this paper we give a survey of different operators, review existing viewpoints on exploration and exploitation, and point out some discrepancies between and problems with current views.

DOI: 10.3233/FI-1998-35123403

Journal: Fundamenta Informaticae, vol. 35, no. 1-4, pp. 35-50, 1998