Modularity

Question 1

How can modules be defined?

Answer 1

At different levels of sensory processing - there can be more specialised modules within a larger module

Question 2

What is the difference between physiological and cognitive modules?

Answer 2

Phys = modules defined by specialisation of neurons in an area which respond selectively to particular stimuli/perform specialised function 
Cognitive = theoretical modules defined by function rather than localisation

Question 3

What is the function of the middletemporal area?

Answer 3

Visual movement - 90% cells further specialised to only detect movement in a particular direction

Question 4

What is Fodor’s model of modularity?

Answer 4

Functional modules:

• TRANSDUCERS - Convert a physical stimulus to sensory input
• MODULES - Interpret the information from the transducers
• CENTRAL SYSTEM - Complex cognition e.g. analytical reasoning, believed these higher processes were not modular themselves

Question 5

What are Fodor’s 6 characteristics of modules?

Answer 5

1) Domain specific - DEFINING FEATURE
2) Innately specified (cannot learn)
3) Encapsulated - fast as only have access to specific info required (however, we can have top-down feedback)
4) Fast
5) Hardwired
6) Autonomous

Question 6

What is meant by “anatomical modularity”?

Answer 6

Different functions found in mostly separate regions - central to the neuropsychological technique of double dissociations

Question 7

What is meant by “distributed modularity”?

Answer 7

Some areas involved in multiple different processes - part of multiple teams, which may be in many different areas but communicate across as a coherent modular process

MODULARITY AS CO-ACTIVATION (if the same areas co-activate in a different pattern it can enable other functions)

Question 8

What did Cohen and Tong specifically suggest regarding modularity?

Answer 8

Stimuli can activate MAXIMAL ACTIVATION AREAS but also other less major areas - so we shouldn’t take the idea of specifically defined modules too far, activity is a bit more widely distributed

Question 9

What is meant by “experience-dependent plasticity”?

Answer 9

It is important that our brains are able to adapt to specific environments so neurons are able to do this e.g. neurons able to respond specifically to visual letters and words, would have been a learned skill

Question 10

What did the Greebles experiments illustrate?

Answer 10

That the FFA is specialised to respond not specifically to faces but rather to any complex objects which are familiarised through experience

Question 11

What conclusions can be drawn from neural selectivity evidence?

Answer 11

Evolution has created an area able to adapt to a specific environment, adapting neural tuning to those stimuli experienced most often/ those which are particularly important for determining behaviour

COMBO OF NATURE AND NURTURE