Abstract
Multi-objective random one-bit climbers (moRBCs) are one class of stochastic local search-based algorithms that maintain a reference population of solutions to guide their search. They have been shown to perform well in solving multi-objective optimization problems. In this work, we analyze the effects of introducing a list of tabu moves in the performance of moRBCs and investigate how moRBCs behave varying the size of this list. We also study their behavior when the selection to update the reference population and archive is replaced with a procedure that provides an alternative mechanism for preserving better distribution among the solutions. We use several MNK-landscape models as test instances and apply statistical testings to analyze the results. Our study shows that the two modifications complement each other in significantly improving moRBCs' performance especially in many-objective problems. They can play specific roles in enhancing the convergence and diversity of moRBCs. Moreover, they help improve the rate by which moRBCs can find solutions that have desired qualities.