Synthetic psychology

Question 1

what is synthetic psychology

Answer 1

• A term introduced by braitenberg.
• Opposite of reductionism
• Emergent

Question 2

What is a braitenberg vehicle

Answer 2

• Simple machine.
• Sensors, wires , motors, outputs.
  FOR EXAMPLE
  a vehicle whose output is calculated by multiplying each wire by the sensor reading them then adding them together (m=s1w1 + s2w2). This is also the basic opperation performed by a processing neuron in a neural network.

Question 3

The difference between a wire and a weight

Answer 3

Braitenberg vehicles- wire

Artificial neurons - weight.

Question 4

Examples of self organisation

Answer 4

Spontaneous order from individuals interacting according to simple rules. 
Huddling behaviour in small animals. 
- Turn towards heat
- turn away from heat.
Phase transition to adjust temperature.

Question 5

What are benefits of modelling

Answer 5

1. to explain
2. generate predictions
3. analogies with well known systems
4. challenge existing theories.
5. promote applications of science
6. reveal the complex as simple
7. reveal the simple as complex.
8. more favourable conditions

Question 6

Explain how synthetic psychology can help to generate predictions.

Answer 6

Braitenberg vehicles, m= s1w1 + s2w2 (gradient descent) homeostasis and the delta rule. Makes complex things look simple.