Model-based analyses: promises, pitfalls, and example applications to the study of cognitive control

Journal article

We discuss a recent approach to investigating cognitive control, which has the potential to deal with some of the challenges inherent in this endeavour. In a model-based approach, the researcher defines a formal, computational model that performs the task at hand and whose performance matches that of a research participant. The internal variables in such a model might then be taken as proxies for latent variables computed in the brain. We discuss the potential advantages of such an approach for the study of the neural underpinnings of cognitive control and its pitfalls, and we make explicit the assumptions underlying the interpretation of data obtained using this approach.

Authors: Mars, R; Shea, N; Kolling, N; Rushworth, M

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Journal: Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology
• Volume: 65
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 252-267
• Publication date: 2012-01-01
• Edition: Publisher's version
• DOI: 10.1080/17470211003668272
• EISSN: 1747-0226
• ISSN: 1747-0218
• Language: English
• Keywords: cognitive control; reinforcement learning; action regulation; model; model-based approach
• Subjects: Psychology