Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 25, 2025
14:38
Creating Objects and Object Categories for Studying Perception and Perceptual Learning
Published on: November 2, 2012
12.1K
A theory of learning to infer
Ishita Dasgupta1, Eric Schulz2, Joshua B Tenenbaum3
1Department of Physics, Harvard University.
Psychological Review
|April 1, 2020
Summary
Human probabilistic reasoning deviates from Bayesian ideals due to a query-adaptive recognition model. This model optimizes for high-probability queries, explaining base rate neglect and conservatism in cognitive inference.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Science
- Computational Neuroscience
- Bayesian Inference
Background:
- Bayesian theories posit rational probability integration in cognition.
- Empirical evidence shows systematic deviations from optimal probabilistic inference.
- Contradictory findings include base rate neglect and conservatism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a novel theory explaining systematic deviations in human probabilistic inference.
- To investigate the role of a query-adaptive recognition model in Bayesian cognition.
- To reconcile conflicting findings of underreaction to prior probabilities and data likelihood.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical modeling of a recognition model that maps queries to probability distributions.
- Optimization of recognition model parameters based on query distribution and computational limits.
- Experimental manipulation of query distribution to control underreaction phenomena.
Main Results:
- The proposed recognition model explains both base rate neglect and conservatism.
- Resource allocation within the model is biased towards high-probability queries.
- Experimental results demonstrate systematic control over underreaction by manipulating query distributions.
Conclusions:
- Human probabilistic inference is not solely reliant on a general-purpose Bayesian mechanism.
- A query-adaptive recognition model, optimized for specific query distributions, underlies cognitive inference.
- This framework accounts for various phenomena including memory effects, belief bias, and response variability.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:15Theory of Attribution I: Correspondent Inference Theory
326
Correspondent inference theory, proposed by Jones and Davis in 1965, seeks to explain how individuals infer stable personality traits from observed behaviors. It suggests that people attribute actions to underlying dispositions rather than external circumstances, particularly when the behavior appears intentional and socially significant.Voluntary Behavior and Dispositional AttributionAccording to this theory, individuals are more likely to attribute behavior to personal traits when it appears...
326
00:59Inductive Reasoning
64.4K
Inductive reasoning is a form of logical thinking that uses related observations to arrive at a general conclusion. It is uncertain and operates in degrees to which the conclusions are credible. As such, inductive arguments can be weak or strong, rather than valid or invalid, and conclusions can be used to formulate testable, falsifiable hypotheses.
Inductive reasoning is common in descriptive science. A life scientist makes observations and records them. This data can be qualitative or...
Inductive reasoning is common in descriptive science. A life scientist makes observations and records them. This data can be qualitative or...
64.4K
01:21Cognitive Learning
922
Cognitive learning is based on purposive behavior, incidental learning, and insight learning.
E. C. Tolman's theory of purposive behavior emphasizes that much behavior is goal-directed. He argued that to understand behavior, we must look at the entire sequence of actions leading to a goal. For instance, high school students study hard, not just due to past reinforcement but also to achieve the goal of getting into a good college.
Tolman introduced the idea that behavior is influenced by...
E. C. Tolman's theory of purposive behavior emphasizes that much behavior is goal-directed. He argued that to understand behavior, we must look at the entire sequence of actions leading to a goal. For instance, high school students study hard, not just due to past reinforcement but also to achieve the goal of getting into a good college.
Tolman introduced the idea that behavior is influenced by...
922
01:22Purposive Learning
377
E. C. Tolman emphasized the purposiveness of behavior — the idea that much of our behavior is goal-directed. For instance, employees who aim for a promotion work diligently to meet their targets. Tolman argued that when classical conditioning and operant conditioning occur, the organism acquires certain expectations. In classical conditioning, a child might fear a dog because they expect it to bite. In operant conditioning, a person might consistently work overtime because they expect a...
377
01:12Observational Learning
743
Albert Bandura's observational learning, also known as imitation or modeling, occurs when a person observes and imitates another's behavior. It is a quicker process than operant conditioning. A well-known example is the Bobo doll study, where children who saw an adult acting aggressively towards the doll were more likely to act aggressively when left alone, compared to those who observed a nonaggressive adult. Many psychologists view observational learning as a form of latent learning...
743
01:16Deductive Reasoning
63.6K
Deductive reasoning, or deduction, is the type of logic used in hypothesis-based science. In deductive reasoning, the pattern of thinking moves in the opposite direction as compared to inductive reasoning, which means that it uses a general principle or law to predict specific results. From those general principles, a scientist can deduce and predict the specific results that would be valid as long as the general principles are valid.
For example, a researcher can deduce specific predictions...
For example, a researcher can deduce specific predictions...
63.6K