Simulating infant visual learning by comparison : an initial model

Kezhen Chen, Kenneth D. Forbus, Dedre Gentner, Susan J. Hespos, Erin M. Anderson

Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperConference Paperpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

![CDATA[Researchers have recently found that 3-month-old infants are capable of using analogical abstraction to learn the same or different relation, given the right conditions (Anderson et al. 2018). Surprisingly, seeing fewer distinct examples led to more successful learning than seeing more distinct examples. This runs contrary to the prediction of standard learning theories, which hold that a wider range of examples leads to better generalization and transfer, but is compatible with other findings in infant research (Casasola 2005; Maguire et al. 2008). Anderson et al. (2018) propose that this is due to interactions between encoding and analogical learning. This paper explores that proposal through the lens of cognitive simulation, using automatically encoded visual stimuli and a cognitive model of analogical learning. The simulation results are compatible with the original findings, thereby providing evidence for this explanation. The assumptions underlying the simulation are delineated and some alternatives are discussed.]]
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationDeveloping a Mind: Learning in Humans, Animals and Machines: Proceedings of the 42nd Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Science Society, 29 July 2020 - 1 August, 2020, virtual
PublisherCognitive Science Society
Pages2247-2253
Number of pages7
Publication statusPublished - 2020
EventCognitive Science Society (U.S.). Conference -
Duration: 29 Jul 2020 → …

Conference

ConferenceCognitive Science Society (U.S.). Conference
Period29/07/20 → …

Cite this