title: Parallel distributed processing and neuropsychology: a neural network model of Wisconsin Card Sorting and verbal fluency.
abstract: Neural networks can be used as a tool in the explanation of neuropsychological data. Using the Hebbian Learning Rule and other such principles as competition and modifiable interlevel feedback, researchers have successfully modeled a widely used neuropsychological test, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. One of these models is reviewed here and extended to a qualitative analysis of how verbal fluency might be modeled, which demonstrates the importance of accounting for the attentional components of both tests. Difficulties remain in programming sequential cognitive processes within a parallel distributed processing (PDP) framework and integrating exceedingly complex neuropsychological tests such as Proverbs. PDP neural network methodology offers neuropsychologists co-validation procedures within narrowly defined areas of reliability and validity.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Clinical Science, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Parks
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Levine
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Long
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Crockett
authors.forename: I E
authors.initials: IE
authors.lastname: Dalton
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Weingartner
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Fedio
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Coburn
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Siler
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Matthews
mesh_terms: D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology*; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004193:Discrimination Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D011939:Mental Recall / Q000502:physiology*; D016571:Neural Networks, Computer; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011594:Psychometrics; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology