Categorization is 'baked' into the brain

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Computational Neuroscience

Background:

• Categorization is traditionally viewed as a late-stage cognitive process.
• This process involves feature detection and memory-based representation assignment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To challenge the traditional view of categorization.
• To propose categorization as an early and continuous process in neural signal processing.

Main Methods:

• Review of evidence from neuroanatomy.
• Analysis of electrophysiology data.
• Synthesis of brain imaging and cognitive science findings.

Main Results:

• Categorization is not solely a function of memory.
• It occurs throughout signal processing, starting from initial stages.
• Predictive feedback signals create neural context for feedforward processing.

Conclusions:

• Categorization is a fundamental computational strategy of the brain.
• This process is integral to perception, not an endpoint.
• Findings have implications for understanding neuropsychiatric disorders.