Abstract

Several variations on the transitive inference task (e.g., if a>b, b>c, c>d, d>e, e>f, then c?e;Levy & Wu, 1996) will be simulated on a neurobiologically plausible model of the CA3 region of the hippocampus (e.g. Levy, 1996). In one variation, the task will be circularized (i.e. add f>a to the constraints above), so that there is no absolute answer to any comparison (e.g., e?a). It is hypothesized that the model will find the best local solution (e.g. em, m>n, n>o;m>c, then d?l). Model performance will be compared to existing results for humans and animals. Additional data will be provided by the animal laboratories of Dr. Howard Eichenbaum, and by human laboratories at the University of Virginia. The model will be augmented to simulate the cortical teaching function of the hippocampus. A cortical system will be added to the model, which will have a globally slower learning rate, discrete regions with few inter-regional but more intra-regional connections, and unique inputs to those regions which may or may not be correlated. Questions to be addressed will include, the capacity for permanent storage in the cortical system, improved inter-regional integration, and the time sequence for transferring information to the cortical system.

  Funding Agency

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32MH011979-01
Application #
2522653
Study Section
Cognitive Functional Neuroscience Review Committee (CFN)
Program Officer
Baughman, Robert W
Project Start
1998-03-26
Project End
Budget Start
1997-11-01
Budget End
1998-10-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1997
Total Cost
Indirect Cost

  Institution

Name
University of Virginia
Department
Neurosurgery
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
001910777
City
Charlottesville
State
VA
Country
United States
Zip Code
22904

  Publications

Greene, A J; Spellman, B A; Dusek, J A et al. (2001) Relational learning with and without awareness: transitive inference using nonverbal stimuli in humans. Mem Cognit 29:893-902
Greene, A J; Prepscius, C; Levy, W B (2000) Primacy versus recency in a quantitative model: activity is the critical distinction. Learn Mem 7:48-57