Automatic Generation of Cognitive Theories using Genetic Programming

Cognitive neuroscience is the branch of neuroscience that studies the neural mechanisms underpinning cognition and develops theories explaining them. Within cognitive neuroscience, computational neuroscience focuses on modeling behavior, using theories expressed as computer programs. Up to now, comp...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inMinds and machines (Dordrecht) Vol. 17; no. 3; pp. 287 - 309
Main Authors Frias-Martinez, Enrique, Gobet, Fernand
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published 01.10.2007
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ISSN0924-6495
1572-8641
DOI10.1007/s11023-007-9070-6

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Summary:Cognitive neuroscience is the branch of neuroscience that studies the neural mechanisms underpinning cognition and develops theories explaining them. Within cognitive neuroscience, computational neuroscience focuses on modeling behavior, using theories expressed as computer programs. Up to now, computational theories have been formulated by neuroscientists. In this paper, we present a new approach to theory development in neuroscience: the automatic generation and testing of cognitive theories using genetic programming (GP). Our approach evolves from experimental data cognitive theories that explain 'the mental program' that subjects use to solve a specific task. As an example, we have focused on a typical neuroscience experiment, the delayed-match-to-sample (DMTS) task. The main goal of our approach is to develop a tool that neuroscientists can use to develop better cognitive theories.
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ISSN:0924-6495
1572-8641
DOI:10.1007/s11023-007-9070-6