Max Kleiman-Weiner

Research Focus

I aim to develop computational models of caregiving that capture how caregivers balance immediate intervention with promoting long-term autonomy. Rather than simply helping in the moment, effective caregiving requires a delicate balance – providing enough support to enable growth while allowing space for independent exploration and learning from mistakes. This connects to fundamental questions about human development: How do we cultivate intrinsic motivation and resilience? What role does productive struggle play in building competence? By studying these dynamics computationally, we can better understand how to design care systems (both human and artificial) that truly empower rather than create dependency. The goal is to develop principles for care that promote genuine autonomy while still providing crucial support during development. The work combines formal mathematical models (POMDPs, Bayesian inference) with carefully designed behavioral experiments to understand the cognitive processes underlying care. This work connects to broader questions about moral development, socialization, and how to design more effective parent and educator interactions.