Mareschal, D., & Shultz, T. R. (1996). Generative connectionist networks and constructivist cognitive development. Cognitive Development, 11, 571-603.

 

Abstract

This article presents a novel computational framework for modeling cognitive development. The new modeling paradigm provides a language with which to compare and contrast radically different facets of children’s knowledge. Concepts from the study of machine learning are used to explore the power of connectionist networks that construct their own architectures during learning. These so-called generative algorithms are shown to escape from Fodor’s (1980) critique of constructivist development. We describe one generative connectionist algorithm (cascade-correlation) in detail. We report on the successful use of the algorithm to model cognitive development on balance scale phenomena; seriation; the integration of velocity, time, and distance cues; prediction of effect sizes from magnitudes of causal potencies and effect resistances; and the acquisition of English personal pronouns. The article demonstrates that computer models are invaluable for illuminating otherwise obscure discussions.

 

Copyright notice

Abstracts, papers, chapters, and other documents are posted on this site as an efficient way to distribute reprints. The respective authors and publishers of these works retain all of the copyrights to this material. Anyone copying, downloading, bookmarking, or printing any of these materials agrees to comply with all of the copyright terms. Other than having an electronic or printed copy for fair personal use, none of these works may be reposted, reprinted, or redistributed without the explicit permission of the relevant copyright holders.

 

To obtain a PDF reprint of this particular article, signal your agreement with these copyright terms by clicking on the statement below.

 

I agree with all of these copyright terms PDF 2938KB