A Data-Driven Mapping of Five ACT-R Modules on the Brain

In this paper we present a new, data-driven mapping of five ACT-R modules on the brain. In the last decade, many studies have been published that evaluated ACT-R models based on their ability to predict fMRI data in certain predefined brain regions. However, these predefined regions were based on a reading of the literature, and might not be optimal. Currently, we used the results of a model-based fMRI analysis of five datasets to define a new brain mapping for the problem state, declarative memory, manual, visual, and aural modules. Both the original and the new mapping were applied to data of an experiment that elicited differential activity in these five modules; the results were compared to model predictions. The new mapping performed slightly better for the problem state, declarative memory, aural, and manual modules, but not for the visual module. In addition, it provides a more principled way of validating ACT-R models. Although the mapping is ACT-R specific, the methodology can be use to map any cognitive architecture or model to the brain.

act-r.psy.cmu.edu/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Borst2013c.pdf

An Integrated Theory of the Mind

Adaptive control of thought–rational (ACT–R; J. R. Anderson & C. Lebiere, 1998) has evolved into a theory that consists of multiple modules but also explains how these modules are integrated to produce coherent cognition. The perceptual-motor modules, the goal module, and the declarative memory module are presented as examples of specialized systems in ACT–R. These modules are associated with distinct cortical regions. These modules place chunks in buffers where they can be detected by a production system that responds to patterns of information in the buffers. At any point in time, a single production rule is selected to respond to the current pattern. Subsymbolic processes serve to guide the selection of rules to fire as well as the internal operations of some modules. Much of learning involves tuning of these subsymbolic processes. A number of simple and complex empirical examples are described to illustrate how these modules function singly and in concert

act-r.psy.cmu.edu/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/526FSQUERY.pdf

Adaptive control of thought–rational ACT-R

Adaptive control of thought–rational ACT-R is a cognitive architecture: a theory for simulating and understanding human cognition. Researchers working on ACT-R strive to understand how people organize knowledge and produce intelligent behavior. As the research continues, ACT-R evolves ever closer into a system which can perform the full range of human cognitive tasks: capturing in great detail the way we perceive, think about, and act on the world.


ACT-R