The Brain as an Information Processing System Flashcards
We can use an information processing system as a ______ to understand the brain. It has various ______ and _______ which it uses to optimise behaviour.
framework
inputs
outputs
In the 1940s the ____ was introduced as a unit for measuring information. This revolutionised communication, cryptography and modern _______. Similarly, the brain ________ information from one source and _______ it into something else. The brain’s basic unit is the ________.
bit computing compresses translates neuron
The Bayesian Framework is used to understand ________ systems. Similarly, the brain is required to make ______ from ambiguous situations. To do this it uses ______ inputs and ______ knowledge (prior), and combines them to form a best _____.
probabilistic guesses current existing guess
Eg: light from above to determine bumps and craters
What kind of inputs does the brain receive?
What are it’s outputs?
External - sensory information from the outside world
Internal inputs - genetically coded and stored information
Outputs involve behaviour and modifying stored information (memories)
When the brain stores information in a particular format it is known as ________.
And when the information uses an algorithm to change form (transforms the information) it is called ______.
representation
processing
The brain usually has some goal in mind, such as object ______, perception, or storage of _______. It has to think about the things needed to achieve that goal, such as inputs, memories or _______. It also has to think about the hardware it has, or what it can ______ do to accomplish the goal, and take into account it’s potential as a ______ and biological ________.
recognition memories algorithms physically machine system
When translating the information from the sensory world, the brain has to…
optimise it, such as the compression of millions of rods and cones into only one million axons at the optic nerve. Similarly, our ability to see colour only at the centre of our vision, and movement and darkness in the periphery.
In the fovea, each cone has its own neuron, known as a ______ circuit, which is excellent for ______. However, in the periphery, several photoreceptors excite one neuron, known as a _________ circuit. While this is bad for acuity, it is good for increased _______. and uses less ________. This means we don’t see colour at night or _____ stimuli. But it’s higher _____ means we can see something at night. And in the day, we have great resources for activities such as reading.
simple acuity convergent sensitivity resources weak sensitivity
There are many theories which try to show how the brain represents something, The brain can use _______, ________ or ____ to represent the world. This is known as _______ _____. These studies are important as they tell us how the brain views various things as more ______ or _______. These _______ and ______ are approximated from differences in ________. Using _____, we can also see how these changes occur over ____.
categories dimensions axes representational space different similar similarities and differences activation MEG time
eg: representational space reconstructed from behavioural ratings of the emotional content of images
