From disintegrated architectures of cognition to an integrated heuristic toolbox (2007)
Authors
Abstract
(from the chapter) How can grand unified theories of cognition be combined with the idea that the mind is a collection of disparate simple mechanisms? In this chapter, we present an initial example of the possible integration of these two perspectives. We first describe the "adaptive toolbox" model of the mind put forth by Gigerenzer and colleagues: a collection of simple heuristic mechanisms that can be used to good effect on particular tasks and in particular environments. This model is aimed at describing how humans (and other animals) can make good decisions despite the limitations we face in terms of information, time, and cognitive processing ability--namely, by employing ecological rationality, that is, using heuristics that are fit to the structure of information in different task environments, and letting the environment itself exert significant control over what components of cognition are employed. Yet such a disintegrated and externally driven view of cognition can still ultimately come together within an integrated model of a cognitive system, as we demonstrate via an implementation within the adaptive control of thought-rational (ACT-R) cognitive architecture of two simple decision heuristics that exploit patterns of recognition and familiarity information. We conclude by pointing the challenges remaining in developing an integrated simple heuristics conception of cognition, such as determining which decision mechanism to use in a particular situation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Bibliographic entry
Todd, P. M., & Schooler, L. J. (2007). From disintegrated architectures of cognition to an integrated heuristic toolbox. In W. D. Gray (Ed.), Integrated models of cognitive systems (pp. 151-164). New York: Oxford University Press.
Miscellaneous
| Publication year | 2007 | |
|---|---|---|
| Document type: | In book | |
| Publication status: | Published | |
| External URL: | ||
| Categories: | ||
| Keywords: | adaptive toolbox modelcognitioncognitive architecturecognitive processingcognitive systemecological rationalityheuristicsintegrated modelmindrecognition |