{"pk":26403,"title":"Improving with Practice: A Neural Model of Mathematical Development","subtitle":null,"abstract":"The ability to improve in speed and accuracy as a result of re-peating some task is an important hallmark of intelligent bio-logical systems. Although gradual behavioural improvementsfrom practice have been modelled in spiking neural networks,few such models have attempted to explain cognitive devel-opment of a task as complex as addition. In this work, wemodel the progression from a counting-based strategy for ad-dition to a recall-based strategy. The model consists of twonetworks working in parallel: a slower basal ganglia loop, anda faster cortical network. The slow network methodically com-putes the count from one digit given another, correspondingto the addition of two digits, while the fast network gradually“memorizes” the output from the slow network. The faster net-work eventually learns how to add the same digits that initiallydrove the behaviour of the slower network. Performance ofthis model is demonstrated by simulating a fully spiking neu-ral network that includes basal ganglia, thalamus and variouscortical areas. Consequently, the model incorporates variousneuroanatomical data, in terms of brain areas used for calcula-tion and makes psychologically testable predictions related tofrequency of rehearsal. Furthermore, the model replicates de-velopmental progression through addition strategies in termsof reaction times and accuracy, and naturally explains observedsymptoms of dyscalculia.","language":"eng","license":{"name":"","short_name":"","text":null,"url":""},"keywords":[{"word":"neural engineering framework; semantic pointerarchitecture; nengo; cognitive modelling; mathematical abil-ity; dyscalculia; skill consolidation"}],"section":"Papers","is_remote":true,"remote_url":"https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1c35v77f","frozenauthors":[{"first_name":"Sean","middle_name":"","last_name":"Aubin","name_suffix":"","institution":"University of Waterloo","department":""},{"first_name":"Aaron","middle_name":"R.","last_name":"Voelker","name_suffix":"","institution":"University of Waterloo","department":""},{"first_name":"Chris","middle_name":"","last_name":"Eliasmith","name_suffix":"","institution":"University of Waterloo","department":""}],"date_submitted":null,"date_accepted":null,"date_published":"2016-01-01T10:00:00-08:00","render_galley":null,"galleys":[{"label":"PDF","type":"pdf","path":"https://journalpub.escholarship.org/cognitivesciencesociety/article/26403/galley/16039/download/"}]}