Models and Architecuture

Agent

A system that perceives its environment through sensory systems and acts upon that environment through effector systems.

Simple reflex agent

An agent that operates on "if this, then that" rules without cognitive processing or learning.

Goal-based agent

An agent that evaluates the consequences of actions in light of its goals but lacks learning capacity.

Learning agent

An agent that can detect errors and experiment with different methods to achieve its goals based on past failures.

Nonmodular processes

High-level cognitive processes that integrate a wide range of information to solve complex problems.

Modular processes

Lower-level cognitive processes that provide rapid solutions to specific, well-defined problems.

Domain specificity

A characteristic of modular processes where modules are specialized for specific information-processing tasks.

Informational encapsulation

A feature of modular processes where processing is unaffected by other mental activities.

Mandatory application

The automatic response of cognitive modules to stimuli without executive control.

Speed

The quick transformation of input into output characteristic of modular processing.

Fixed neural architecture

The identification of specific brain regions associated with certain types of modular processing.

Specific breakdown patterns

The predictable ways in which modular processing can fail, providing insights into its structure.

Massive Modularity Hypothesis

The idea that the human mind consists of specialized modules evolved to solve specific problems.

Cheater detection module

A specialized cognitive module that identifies breaches of cooperation in social interactions.

TIT FOR TAT

A heuristic strategy in the prisoner's dilemma that involves cooperating first and mimicking the opponent's previous move.

Hybrid architectures

Mental architectures that integrate different approaches, such as physical symbol systems and artificial neural networks.

ACT-R

A cognitive architecture that is modular and allows cognitive modules to access sensory information through buffers.

Declarative modules

Cognitive modules that represent knowledge that can be explicitly stated, such as facts.

Procedural modules

Cognitive modules that represent knowledge of how to perform tasks, often achieved through production rules.

Subsymbolic processing

The process that determines the utility of symbolic chunks and rules, influencing their activation and use.