an adaptive system whose operation algorithm is worked out and improved by a learning process based on the method of trial and error. The system makes trial changes in the algorithm and simultaneously monitors the results of the changes. If the results are favorable with respect to the control goals, the system continues to make changes in the same direction until the best results are achieved or until the control process begins to deteriorate. Self-learning systems are a special case of searching self-adjusting systems (see alsoAUTOMATIC LEARNING SYSTEM and DUAL CONTROL).