Introduction to Modeling Cognitive Processes

An introduction to computational modeling for cognitive neuroscientists, covering both foundational work and recent developments. 

Cognitive neuroscientists need sophisticated conceptual tools to make sense of their field’s proliferation of novel theories, methods, and data. Computational modeling is such a tool, enabling researchers to turn theories into precise formulations. This book offers a mathematically gentle and theoretically unified introduction to modeling cognitive processes. Theoretical exercises of varying degrees of difficulty throughout help readers develop their modeling skills.
 
After a general introduction to cognitive modeling and optimization, the book covers models of decision making; supervised learning algorithms, including Hebbian learning, delta rule, and backpropagation; the statistical model analysis methods of model parameter estimation and model evaluation; the three recent cognitive modeling approaches of reinforcement learning, unsupervised learning, and Bayesian models; and models of social interaction. All mathematical concepts are introduced gradually, with no background in advanced topics required. Hints and solutions for exercises and a glossary follow the main text. All code in the book is Python, with the Spyder editor in the Anaconda environment. A GitHub repository with Python files enables readers to access the computer code used and start programming themselves. The book is suitable as an introduction to modeling cognitive processes for students across a range of disciplines and as a reference for researchers interested in a broad overview.Preface and Acknowledgments ix
1 What Is Cognitive Modeling? 1
2 Decision Making 17
3 Hebbian Learning 37
4 The Delta Rule 53
5 Multilayer Networks 69
6 Estimating Parameters in Computational Models 89
7 Testing and Comparing Computational Models 107
8 Reinforcement Learning: The Gradient Ascent Approach 123
9 Reinforcement Learning: The Markov Decision Process Approach 133
10 Unsupervised Learning 153
11 Bayesian Models 173
12 Interacting Organisms 191
Convention and Notation 203
Glossary 205
Hints and Solutions to Select Exercises 207
Notes 217
References 219
Index 243“Neurocognitive modeling spans many levels of analysis, from neurons to cognitive function. Verguts presents an exceptionally lucid overview of theoretical and methodological approaches in this field that will be an amazing resource for students at all levels.”
—Michael J. Frank, Edgar L. Marston Professor and Director of the Carney Center for Computational Brain Science, Brown University; coauthor of Computational Cognitive Neuroscience
 
“Verguts’s clear and accessible text provides a concise introduction to both classic and contemporary approaches to modeling cognition.  A fantastic on-ramp for those interested in developing precise models of cognitive processing, learning, and development.”
—James L. McClelland, Director, Center for Mind, Brain, Computation and Technology, Stanford University; author of Parallel Distributed Processing, Explorations in Parallel Distributed Processing, and Semantic Cognition: A Parallel Distributed Processing ApproachTom Verguts is Professor in the Department of Experimental Psychology at Ghent University.