Cognitive Neuroscience Modeling and Assessment
The modeling research programs emphasize relating biological and cognitive functions. The
significance of this training is that it allows students to relate structure and function across multiple
levels of interaction. An electrophysiologist can learn what classes of connectivity can provide
particular output functions. A psychologist can realize how time constants of the neurons may limit
the rate of cognitive functions. Modeling is the primary method to determine if the presumed
mechanisms can computationally execute an information processing function. Modeling requires
the investigator to be precise about the mechanisms involved. It provides constraints from one level
of analysis to predict phenomena at other levels of analysis. The modeling will make extensive use
of computer simulations.
The training environment will allow students to model systems at multiple levels of detail. Students
can model performance at each of these levels, incorporate constraints across levels (e.g., how the
gating time in the pyramidal/chandelier model limits attention switching in the connectionist
model), and work with specialists deriving empirical data to test the models.
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