About This Project

In this project we hypothesize a new cognitive modeling framework based on representations instead of computation. The idea consists of associations between concepts in mental frames and atomic functions between these frames.

Using this framework, we would be able to model different cognitive processes in the brain in a simplified manner. The models can be used in education, medicine, human-computer interface, etc.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

The main inspiration to propose this project was investigating if we can provide a united and simplified framework for modeling cognition which is more adaptable to human language, ontology and brain imaging techniques. Thinking about cognitive processes, we would all agree that computation is actually change of representation of the mind state through firing neurons. So proposing a representational cognitive modeling framework would be more brain-plausible compared to computational methods that are inspired by the machines.

What is the significance of this project?

Comparing with computational modeling:

- By simplifying cognitive processes into two atomic follow up and decision making functions, complex computations of the brain can be explained using a united framework which was not practical using computational frameworks.

- In RCM, the information guiding the computation is inherent in the representation, and no prior knowledge of an algorithm is required to follow the computation in the cognitive process, which is more brain-plausible.

- The representations in the RCM better map with the imaging techniques such as EEG or fMRI. It is difficult to extract information regarding computation from the imaging techniques while the information is more clearly and easily mappable to representations of the mental states.

What are the goals of the project?

Our research hypotheses include:

1. Semantic information is encoded in forms of representational associations between concepts

2. Complex cognitive processes can be formulated in forms of atomic follow-up or decision-making functions between consecutive representational frames

And our research questions include:

1. How are different associations between concepts in the brain encoded?

2. How are atomic functions performed in terms of representation?

3. Is the representational cognitive modeling framework brain-plausible?

By proposing a new ontological language for representation of the mind frames and investigating the atomic functions between them, we will be trying to simplify and unify the modeling of cognitive processes and compare them with existing computational modeling frameworks.