Computation in Cognitive Science.docx

Computation in Cognitive Science (Group Carey) Key concepts: Modularity Domain specificity: A module can only act on a certain type of input Mandatory processing: Module will always process its input automatically Information encapsulation: Higher-level processes can’t change how the module functi...

Computation in Cognitive Science (Group Carey) Key concepts: Modularity Domain specificity: A module can only act on a certain type of input Mandatory processing: Module will always process its input automatically Information encapsulation: Higher-level processes can’t change how the module functions Four foundational principles Decomposition: breaking down complicated process into simple steps Materialism (mid is a product of material)/Naturalism (no spooky stuff) Reduction: going from one level to another (mental → physical) Computation: THe mind can be described in terms of information processing Rationalists VS. Empiricists Turing Machine–physical system that operates on informational input Marr’s Levels of Analysis Computational: Highest level of analysis, identifying the problem that you’re trying to solve. (ex. Vision: how to use light to determine the world’s physical structure) Algorithmic (aka Representational): What process are you using to solve the problem? (ex. To achieve vision, light gets transduced into neural firing ratings, then get interpret.ed by the visual cortex) Implementational: How the algorithm gets physically implemented, the “hardware” (ex. In Vision it’s nerves, cones/rods, etc) Operant Conditioning and reinforcement Uses stimuli and rewards to create reinforced behaviors Sounds right, but we are too complex Key people: BF Skinner (operant conditioning) - behaviorism through reinforcement learning David Marr (levels of analysis) Jerry A. Fodor (modularity of mind) Alan Turing (created a computational system) Carandini: Neural computation is an intermediate process that may be helpful in connecting the lower-level processes of neural circuits to the higher-level process of behavior. Crane: A Turing Machine: Cobb: They’re made of meat!: Everything that the mind can do can be reduced to the physical brain