Q2. Describe how techniques such as artificial intelligence and statistical techniques are used in software agents

Answer:

The software agents using artificial intelligence and statistical techniques are called "Intelligent software agents". The design of intelligent agents (or intelligent software agents) is a branch of artificial intelligence research. Capabilities of intelligent agents include:
1. ability to adapt -
Adaptation implies sensing the environment and reconfiguring in response. This can be achieved through the choice of alternative problem-solving-rules or algorithms, or through the discovery of problem solving strategies. Adaptation may also include other aspects of an agent's internal construction, such as recruiting processor or storage resources.
2. ability to learn -
Learning may proceed through trial-and-error, then it implies a capability of introspection and analysis of behavior and success. Alternatively, learning may proceed by example and generalization, then it implies a capacity to abstract and generalize.
(Answers.com, 2009)

Reference:

1. Answers.com (2009). "Software Agent". Answers Corporation, Retrieved from URL - http://www.answers.com/topic/software-agent