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Related Experiment Videos

Hidden processes in structural representations: A reply to Abbott, Austerweil, and Griffiths (2015).

Michael N Jones1, Thomas T Hills2, Peter M Todd1

  • 1Cognitive Science Program, Indiana University.

Psychological Review
|June 30, 2015
PubMed
Summary

This study reveals that semantic fluency, like physical foraging, follows optimal search policies. A two-stage cue-switching model best explains memory search, challenging alternative models that embed retrieval processes within memory representations.

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Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Computational Neuroscience
  • Human Memory

Background:

  • Semantic fluency tasks reveal patterns similar to optimal foraging in physical environments.
  • A two-stage cue-switching model has been proposed to explain human data in semantic memory search.
  • Previous models have faced representational limitations when comparing process models.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare process models of semantic fluency.
  • To address representational issues in semantic memory models.
  • To investigate the relationship between semantic fluency and free association.

Main Methods:

  • Developed a two-stage cue-switching model operating on a learned semantic space.
  • Critically evaluated a random walk model based on free-association norms.

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  • Analyzed the impact of representation on process model performance.

    • Main Results:

    • The cue-switching model, using a learned memory space, provided a better explanation of semantic fluency data.
    • Models using free-association data embed retrieval variance into the representation, potentially oversimplifying the process.
    • A key representational difference limits direct comparison between the proposed models.

    Conclusions:

    • The structure of the memory representation significantly impacts the interpretation of semantic fluency models.
    • A simple retrieval mechanism may suffice if the memory representation already incorporates retrieval-related variance.
    • Further research is needed to disentangle representation and process in semantic memory research.