title: Sensitivity to initial conditions in the route-finder model.
abstract: A model of stimulus generalization [Staddon, J.E.R., Reid, A.K., 1990. On the dynamics of generalization. Psychol. Rev. 97, 576-578] was extended by Reid and Staddon [Reid, A.K., Staddon, J.E.R., 1998. A dynamic route finder for the cognitive map. Psychol. Rev. 105, 585-601] to account for the route-finder issue in the Tolman-Guthrie discussion about cognitive maps. This deterministic model has been described as sensitive to initial conditions in terms of the parameters of a diffusion equation [Reid, A.K., Staddon, J.E.R., 1998. A dynamic route finder for the cognitive map. Psychol. Rev. 105, 585-601]. A simulation study was carried out to test this assertion, evaluating whether the pattern of variation in the model output resembled a chaotic pattern. Results indicate that the model is sensitive to initial conditions, suggesting that the spatial navigation task addressed by this model involves non-linear relationships and complexity beyond the apparent simplicity of the stimulus generalization process.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, United States. jrobles@vcu.edu
authors.forename: Jaime R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Robles
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vargas-Irwin
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005795:Generalization, Stimulus; D018782:Maze Learning; D008570:Memory, Short-Term; D011939:Mental Recall; D008959:Models, Neurological; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009949:Orientation; D013028:Space Perception; D013037:Spatial Behavior