Dual process models of sequence learning and serial reaction time tasks
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Exeter
Department Name: Psychology
Abstract
Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| I McLaren (Principal Investigator) | |
| Fergal Jones (Co-Investigator) |
Publications
10. McLaren, I.P.L., Jones, F.W., McLaren, R.P., Yeates, F.
(2013)
Cue Competition in Human Incidental Learning
McAndrew, A., Yeates, F., Jones, F.W., Verbruggen, F., And McLaren, I.P.L.
(2013)
Modeling a reaction time variant of the Perruchet effect in humans
McLaren IP
(2014)
Associations and propositions: the case for a dual-process account of learning in humans.
in Neurobiology of learning and memory
Yeates F
(2013)
Modeling human sequence learning under incidental conditions.
in Journal of experimental psychology. Animal behavior processes
Yeates F
(2014)
State-Trace Analysis: Dissociable Processes in a Connectionist Network?
in Cognitive Science
Yeates, F., Jones, F.W., Wills, A.J., Aitken, M.R.F. And McLaren, I.P.L.
(2012)
Implicit learning : a demonstration and a novel SRT paradigm
Yeates, F., Jones, F.W., Wills, A.J., Aitken, M.R.F. And McLaren, I.P.L.
(2013)
Implicit Learning: A demonstration and a Revision of a Novel SRT Paradigm
Yeates, F., Wills, A.J., Jones, F.W.and McLaren, I.P.L.
(2012)
State-Trace Analysis of Sequence Learning by Simple Recurrent Networks
| Description | This project found evidence for associative sequence learning, learning that did not depend on people's ability to verbalise knowledge of the sequences involved. We were able to develop an associative model of sequence learning to explain our data that went beyond what was currently available. We also developed a new methodology (applying state-trace analysis to simulation data), and a new application for our revised model to the Perruchet effect. Finally, we were able to show that cue competition between sequence information and colour information occurred under incidental conditions (i.e. when participants were not told about the existence of this information) - a novel and important finding. In other words, when both the colour of a centrally presented square and the current sequence of trials predicted the next trial, we found that the sequence information was learned, and the colour information was not, even though both could be learned when presented alone. This "overshadowing" effect parallels that found in animals such as the rat and the pigeon, and implies that similar (associative) processes operate in humans. An implication of this finding is that this more basic form of learning must also be taken into account in explaining (and modifying) human behaviour. |
| Exploitation Route | This was very much basic science. As such, it is likely to have most relevance for other researchers. The work on cue competition is the first of it's kind to show overshadowing. This should lead to further investigation of associative processes in humans and change the consensus on whether we have similar learning mechanisms to those present in other animals. There are implications for behaviour change interventions, and our results make the case for associative learning generally. Update: Further research has occurred based on findings resulting from this grant. Please see details of Amy McAndrew's PhD supported by the ESRC for our work on understanding the Perruchet effect. This has had implications for our understanding of people's evaluation of risk. |
| Sectors | Education,Financial Services, and Management Consultancy |
| Title | State-Trace Analysis applied to Computational Modelling. |
| Description | The details can be found in Yeates, F., Wills, A.J., Jones, F.W., and McLaren, I.P.L. (2014). State trace analysis: Dissociable processes in a connectionist network? Cognitive Science, 1-15. Online publication doi: 10.1111/cogs.12185. This novel technique applies state-trace analysis to computational models of human leaning, memory and cognition facilitating interpretation of the application of the same technique to experimental data. We are the first people to do this. |
| Type Of Material | Model of mechanisms or symptoms - human |
| Year Produced | 2012 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | It will change the way people interpret the results of state-trace analysis. |
| Description | Invited talk given to the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience at ECNU, Shanghai, China. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Participants in your research and patient groups |
| Results and Impact | It led to a collaboration with Professor Yixuan Ku that has resulted in one publication already. A number of ECNU academic staff requested that I collaborate with them. There was then an exchange visit by one of my PhD students to tthe ICN in the following year, and then a return exchange the next year when an ICN student came to Exeter. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
| Description | Presentation to the 1st RLDM conference at Princeton, NJ, USA. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Dialogue with a set of colleagues from other disciplines that would otherwise have not taken place. Discussion. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |