title: Parallel distributed processing and neural networks: origins, methodology and cognitive functions.
abstract: Parallel Distributed Processing (PDP), a computational methodology with origins in Associationism, is used to provide empirical information regarding neurobiological systems. Recently, supercomputers have enabled neuroscientists to model brain behavior-relationships. An overview of supercomputer architecture demonstrates the advantages of parallel over serial processing. Histological data provide physical evidence of the parallel distributed nature of certain aspects of the human brain, as do corresponding computer simulations. Whereas sensory networks follow more sequential neural network pathways, in vivo brain imaging studies of attention and rudimentary language tasks appear to involve multiple cortical and subcortical areas. Controversy remains as to whether associative models or Artificial Intelligence symbolic models better reflect neural networks of cognitive functions; however, considerable interest has shifted towards associative models.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Clinical Science and Neuropsychology, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Parks
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Long
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Levine
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Crockett
authors.forename: E G
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: McGeer
authors.forename: P L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: McGeer
authors.forename: I E
authors.initials: IE
authors.lastname: Dalton
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Zec
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Becker
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Coburn
mesh_terms: D001185:Artificial Intelligence; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D003199:Computer Systems; D006801:Humans; D016571:Neural Networks, Computer