What are computerized advisory programs that imitate the reasoning processes of experts called?

Computerized advisory programs that imitate the reasoning processes of experts are known as expert systems. These systems use artificial intelligence to replicate the decision-making capabilities of human experts in a specific domain. They typically consist of a knowledge base, which contains the domain-specific information and rules, and an inference engine, which applies that knowledge to draw conclusions or make recommendations based on user input.

Expert systems are designed to assist with problem-solving and decision-making in complex situations where expert knowledge is required. They can be particularly useful in fields such as medicine, finance, and engineering, where they can analyze data and provide insights that mimic the thought processes of seasoned professionals.

In contrast, optimization analysis focuses on finding the best solution among various alternatives but does not necessarily imitate expert reasoning. Goal-seeking analysis is about adjusting variables to attain a desired goal, rather than focusing on expert decision-making. Granularity refers to the level of detail or depth of the data or information, and is not related to programs that simulate expert reasoning.