psych 421

Chapter 5 - Artificially Modeling the mind (200 words)

Hello; for this week, please, read chapter 5 and answer the following questions:

1. How do artificial neural network models work alongside neuroscientific techniques to help us study the brain? What do they add to our understanding?

2. Why do you think training is such a key part of neural network modeling? How does it shape the way these models work?

3. How similar do you think artificial neural networks are to the real brain? Are there aspects where they feel biologically realistic or where they fall short?

4. What are the main features of artificial neural networks? How would you compare them to the physical symbol system model of information processing?

Chapter 6 - The Dynamical Mind (200 words)

During this week, please, read Chapter 6 and answer the following questions:

1. What’s the main idea behind the dynamical systems hypothesis? Do you find it convincing, and why or why not?

2. How does the example of the Watt governor help Van Gelder make his point? Can you think of other examples that might support his argument?

3. Dynamical models seem great for studying how skills like walking develop. Do you think they could also be useful for exploring other cognitive processes? Why or why not?

4. The A-not-B error is a fascinating phenomenon. Do you think there might be other plausible cognitive explanations for why it happens?

Resources for Chapter 6, others are attached

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSHZ_b05W7o

http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Chinese_room_argument

Chapter 7 - Bayesian Systems in the mind (200 words)

For this week you will read Chapter 7. After that, answer the following questions:

1. Do you think the Bayesian idea that beliefs can have degrees of certainty makes sense? Why or why not?

2. Can you explain how Bayes’s Rule works in simple terms? Why do you think it’s so widely used?

3. What’s the connection between Bayesian thinking and Gestalt approaches to perception? How do they help us understand how we make sense of what we see?

4. What’s the challenge posed by the St. Petersburg game? Do you think distinguishing between monetary value and utility helps solve it?

Chapter 8 - Modules to Build a Mind (200 words)

For this week, please, read Chapter 8 and answer the following questions.

1. What are the main differences between the three agent architectures described in the text? How would you explain these differences to someone new to the topic?

2. What are the key features of modular processing, according to Fodor? Why do you think these characteristics are important?

3. How does the massive modularity thesis differ from Fodor’s ideas about modularity? Which approach do you find more convincing, and why?

4. Why do Cosmides and Tooby argue that a module for detecting cheaters evolved? How convincing do you find their reasoning?