J.H.Fabius (2012) - The value of connectionist models in neuropsychology: A case study of neglect

Abstract

Neuropsychological models of cognitive functions and disorders are traditionally comprised of box-and-arrow models. Connectionism is a research field that provides existence proof of the neural or cognitive mechanisms that are asserted to underlie these models (i.e. is there a possibility that the proposed box-and-arrow model could be implemented in an artificial neural network?). Historically, connectionism has proven its value several times, providing new arguments and insights in discussions concerning conflicting theories. Neural mechanisms underlying neuropsychological disorders are also frequently a subject of discussion. Connectionism has the potential to shed new light on those mechanisms. This thesis will be limited to the connectionist models made of neglect, since appraising connectionism for all known neuropsychological disorders would be a very extensive read. By reviewing the available models, it becomes clear that neuropsychology uses connectionist models primarily as an addition to their experimental data in explaining cognitive disorders or symptoms. However, as shown by the models presented in this thesis (i.e. concerning neglect), connectionism could be of more value, especially when forming hypotheses or interpreting behavioural data of neuropsychological patients