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Of models and mechanisms: a reply to commentators

Of models and mechanisms: a reply to commentators We were pleased to see that all commentators agreed with us on one issue. All four authors argued that computational modeling is a fertile way to push forward debates in cognitive development. Computational models are explicit instantiations of information processing theories. They describe exactly what is assumed to be in the environment, what is assumed to be ‘built in’, and some of the mechanisms by which development can occur. It is precisely because they are ‘brutally honest’ (Smith) that they can push debates forward. By laying our cards on the table and inviting commentators to specify what they believe to be wrong with the assumptions of our model, we are also requiring them to be precise about what might constitute the mechanisms of development of unity perception in infants. Model building is an iterative process. At each iteration, the model is improved to take account of more data, or perhaps to correct some invalid assumptions. Model development is also a means of fostering dialogue. Building a model invites those with different views to participate by expressing their dissatisfaction with a current implementation. If the criticism is sufficiently precise, it becomes an agreed target towards which both research groups http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Developmental Science Wiley

Of models and mechanisms: a reply to commentators

Developmental Science , Volume 5 (2) – May 1, 2002

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References (18)

Publisher
Wiley
Copyright
Copyright © 2002 Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company
ISSN
1363-755X
eISSN
1467-7687
DOI
10.1111/1467-7687.00219
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

We were pleased to see that all commentators agreed with us on one issue. All four authors argued that computational modeling is a fertile way to push forward debates in cognitive development. Computational models are explicit instantiations of information processing theories. They describe exactly what is assumed to be in the environment, what is assumed to be ‘built in’, and some of the mechanisms by which development can occur. It is precisely because they are ‘brutally honest’ (Smith) that they can push debates forward. By laying our cards on the table and inviting commentators to specify what they believe to be wrong with the assumptions of our model, we are also requiring them to be precise about what might constitute the mechanisms of development of unity perception in infants. Model building is an iterative process. At each iteration, the model is improved to take account of more data, or perhaps to correct some invalid assumptions. Model development is also a means of fostering dialogue. Building a model invites those with different views to participate by expressing their dissatisfaction with a current implementation. If the criticism is sufficiently precise, it becomes an agreed target towards which both research groups

Journal

Developmental ScienceWiley

Published: May 1, 2002

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