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Updated: Sep 25, 2025
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Assessment of Social Cognition in Non-human Primates Using a Network of Computerized Automated Learning Device ALDM Test Systems
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SymCog: An open-source toolkit for assessing human symbolic cognition
Maurice Flurie1,2, Alexandra Kelly3, Ingrid R Olson4
1Eleanor M. Saffran Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA. maurice.flurie@temple.edu.
Behavior Research Methods
|April 26, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a new toolkit to assess symbolic cognition and asymbolia (symbol processing deficits). It provides normative data for matching abstract concepts to symbols, aiding in developmental assessments.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Science
- Neuroscience
- Linguistics
Background:
- Symbol systems profoundly influence human behavior across various modalities.
- Asymbolia refers to impairments in understanding and manipulating symbols.
- Existing approaches to symbolic cognition lack comprehensive assessment tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address open questions regarding the nature of asymbolia.
- To propose a tripartite perspective on symbolic cognition.
- To introduce and validate an open-source toolkit for assessing symbolic knowledge.
Main Methods:
- Developed a tripartite model of symbolic cognition: concept representation, symbol storage, and concept-symbol mapping.
- Created an open-source toolkit using animated abstract concepts and corresponding verbal/nonverbal symbols.
- Conducted three norming studies to gather data on symbol-concept matching, semantic ratings, and novel concepts.
Main Results:
- Reported normative data for matching words and images to abstract animations.
- Provided semantic dimension ratings for target animations.
- Normed concepts lacking verbal labels for American English speakers.
Conclusions:
- The developed toolkit offers a novel method for assessing human symbolic processing.
- The tools can be utilized to identify asymbolic deficits throughout human development.
- This research advances our understanding of symbolic cognition and its potential impairments.
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