Introduction to Computational Cognitive Science

How does the mind work? Over the last few decades, cognitive psychologists have become increasingly interested in using computational models. These models are designed to describe cognitiveprocesses, and the behavior that is produced by them. This computational approach has several advantages. Computational theories of cognition are more specific than verbal theories. Therefore, they do not only afford precisely quantifying certain aspects of cognition, but they also make it possible to simulate cognitive processes. This course provides an introduction to several leading computational methods for understanding cognition, covering model fitting and comparison, reinforcement learning, neural networks and Bayesian modeling. These methods will be applied to a wide range of cognitive phenomena, such as short-term memory, reinforcement learning, decision making, cognitive control, concept learning and visual perception. Familiarity with programming (e.g., Java, C++, MATLAB, Python) and basic math will be very useful for you, but they are not strictly required.PREREQ: Psych 100B AND Psych 301/3011.

Course Attributes: FA NSM; BU BA; AR NSM; AS NSM

Introduction to Computational Cognitive Science

PSYCHOLOGICAL & BRAIN SCIENCES 5631

Section 01