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CONNECTIONIST MODELLING IN PSYCHOLOGY: A LOCALIST MANIFESTO

Page, Mike (2000) CONNECTIONIST MODELLING IN PSYCHOLOGY: A LOCALIST MANIFESTO.

Short Abstract:

Over the last decade, fully-distributed models have become dominant in connectionist psychological modelling, whereas the virtues of localist models have been underestimated. This target article illustrates some of the benefits of localist modelling. Localist models are characterized by the presence of localist representations rather than the absence of distributed representations. A generalized localist model is proposed that exhibits many of the properties of fully distributed models. It can be applied to a number of problems that are difficult for fully distributed models and its applicability can be extended through comparisons with a number of classic mathematical models of behaviour. There are reasons why localist models have been underused and these are addressed. In particular, many conclusions about connectionist representation, based on neuroscientific observation, are called into question. There are still some problems inherent in the application of fully distributed systems and some inadequacies in proposed solutions to these problems. In the domain of psychological modelling, localist modelling is to be preferred.

Long Abstract:

Over the last decade, fully-distributed models have become dominant in connectionist psychological modelling, whereas the virtues of localist models have been underestimated. This target article illustrates some of the benefits of localist modelling. Localist models are characterized by the presence of localist representations rather than the absence of distributed representations. A generalized localist model is proposed that exhibits many of the properties of fully distributed models. It can be applied to a number of problems that are difficult for fully distributed models and its applicability can be extended through comparisons with a number of classic mathematical models of behaviour. There are reasons why localist models have been underused and these are addressed. In particular, many conclusions about connectionist representation, based on neuroscientific observation, are called into question. There are still some problems inherent in the application of fully distributed systems and some inadequacies in proposed solutions to these problems. In the domain of psychological modelling, localist modelling is to be preferred.

Keywords:	connectionist modelling, neural networks, localist, distributed, competition, choice, reaction-time, consolidation.
Subjects:	Psychology: Cognitive Psychology Computer Science: Neural Nets Neuroscience: Neuroanatomy Neuroscience: Neural Modelling
ID code:	bbs00000505
Deposited by:	Mike Page on 02 May 2001