scholarly journals A computational model of language functions in flexible goal-directed behaviour

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Granato ◽  
Anna M. Borghi ◽  
Gianluca Baldassarre
Keyword(s):  
Computational Model ◽  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test ◽  
Inner Speech ◽  
Human Cognition ◽  
Card Sorting ◽  
Feedback Processing ◽  
Language Functions ◽  
Stimulus Features

The function of language in high-order goal-directed human cognition is an important topic at the centre of current debates. Experimental evidence shows that inner speech, representing a self-directed form of language, empowers cognitive processes such as working memory, perception, categorization, and executive functions. Here we study the relations between inner speech and processes like feedback processing and cognitive flexibility. To this aim we propose a computational model that controls an artificial agent who uses inner speech to internally manipulate its representations. The agent is able to reproduce human behavioural data collected during the solution of the Wisconsin Card Sorting test, a neuropsychological test measuring cognitive flexibility, also when a verbal shadowing protocol is used. The components of the model were systematically lesioned to clarify the specific impact of inner speech on the agent’s behaviour. The results indicate that inner speech improves the efficiency of internal manipulation. Specifically, it makes the representations linked to specific visual features more disentangled, thus improving the agent’s capacity to engage/disengage attention on stimulus features after positive/negative action outcomes. Overall, the model shows how inner speech could improve goal-directed internal manipulation of representations and enhance behavioural flexibility.

scholarly journals A computational model of language functions in flexible goal-directed behaviour

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Granato ◽  
Anna M. Borghi ◽  
Gianluca Baldassarre
Keyword(s):  
Computational Model ◽  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Internal Representation ◽  
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test ◽  
Inner Speech ◽  
Human Cognition ◽  
Card Sorting ◽  
Feedback Processing ◽  
Language Functions

AbstractThe function of language in high-order goal-directed human cognition is an important topic at the centre of current debates. Experimental evidence shows that inner speech, representing a self-directed form of language, empowers cognitive processes such as working memory, perception, categorization, and executive functions. Here we study the relations between inner speech and processes like feedback processing and cognitive flexibility. To this aim we propose a computational model that controls an artificial agent who uses inner speech to internally manipulate its representations. The agent is able to reproduce human behavioural data collected during the solution of the Wisconsin Card Sorting test, a neuropsychological test measuring cognitive flexibility, both in the basic condition and when a verbal shadowing protocol is used. The components of the model were systematically lesioned to clarify the specific impact of inner speech on the agent’s behaviour. The results indicate that inner speech improves the efficiency of internal representation manipulation. Specifically, it makes the representations linked to specific visual features more disentangled, thus improving the agent’s capacity to engage/disengage attention on stimulus features after positive/negative action outcomes. Overall, the model shows how inner speech could improve goal-directed internal manipulation of representations and enhance behavioural flexibility.

scholarly journals Internal Manipulation of Perceptual Representations in Human Flexible Cognition: A Computational Model

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Granato ◽  
Gianluca Baldassarre
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Computational Model ◽  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Computational Models ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test ◽  
Card Sorting ◽  
Perceptual Representations ◽  
Dependent Learning ◽  
Sorting Test

Executive functions represent a wide set of goal-directed cognitive processes that rely on integrated cortical-basal ganglia brain systems and are at the basis of human flexible behaviour. Several computational models have been proposed to study cognitive flexibility and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), an important neuropsychological test used for measuring such function. These models clarify important aspects of cognitive flexibility, in particular the processes concerning decision making, motor response, and feedback-dependent learning. However, several studies suggest that categorisation processes, as those involved in the solution of the WCST, also involve a fundamental category representation stage supporting the other processes. Surprisingly, all models of the WCST ignore such fundamental stage and propose that decision making directly triggers actions. Here we propose a novel hypothesis for which the key element of cognitive flexibility resides on the acquisition of suitable representations of percepts, and their top-down internal manipulation, to prepare effective actions. We also propose a neuro-inspired computational model to operationalise the hypothesis. The model is validated by systematically reproducing and interpreting the behaviour of healthy young and old adults, and of frontal and Parkinson pathological patients. The hypothesis and model also allow the proposal of a new version of the WCST that might be used to further investigate the important role of the internal manipulation of representations here proposed to be at the core of flexible goal-directed behaviour.

scholarly journals Assessment of Cognitive Flexibility in Personnel Selection: Validity and Acceptance of a Gamified Version of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Björn Erik Hommel ◽  
Regina Ruppel ◽  
Hannes Zacher
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Personnel Selection ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test ◽  
Card Sorting ◽  
Ability Test ◽  
Online Study ◽  
Wisconsin Card Sorting ◽  
Sorting Test ◽  
Set Shifting Task

The present study contributes to the emerging field of gamification in personnel selection by examining validity and acceptance of the Gamified Set-Shifting Task (GSST), which is based on a well-established neuropsychological test of cognitive flexibility, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). Results based on a sample of 180 participants in an online study provided preliminary support for construct and criterion-related validity. The GSST was better accepted among test-takers than both the WCST and a cognitive ability test. Overall, the findings suggest that the GSST may be an attractive and valid method to assist organizations in selecting employees who are able to adapt to changing environments.

scholarly journals Automatic Intra-/Extra-Dimensional Attentional Set-Shifting Task in Adolescent Mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariasole Ciampoli ◽  
Diego Scheggia ◽  
Francesco Papaleo
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functions ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test ◽  
Set Shifting ◽  
Card Sorting ◽  
Attentional Set ◽  
Attentional Set Shifting ◽  
Wisconsin Card Sorting ◽  
Sorting Test ◽  
Set Shifting Task

Adolescence is a developmental period crucial for the maturation of higher-order cognitive functions. Indeed, adolescence deficits in executive functions are strong predictors of increased vulnerability to several mental disabilities later in life. Here, we tested adolescent mice in a fully-automated attentional set-shifting task equivalent to the humans’ Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery Intra-/Extra-Dimensional set-shift task (ID/ED). Compared to an adult, adolescent mice required more time to complete the task (≈16 days), and a higher percentage failed to finish the entire task. Nevertheless, adolescent mice completing this demanding task showed an increased effort in solving the extradimensional shift stage (EDS) compared to previous stages. Moreover, we found that this paradigm can be used to detect early cognitive dysfunctions in adolescent genetically modified mice. Thus, this automatic paradigm provides a further tool to assess attentional control in adolescent mice, and the development of dysfunctional executive functions from adolescence to adulthood.

Learning styles, motivation and cognitive flexibility in interpreter training

Interpreting ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Šárka Timarová ◽  
Heidi Salaets
Keyword(s):  
Learning Styles ◽  
Achievement Motivation ◽  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test ◽  
Learning Preferences ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Card Sorting ◽  
Interpreter Training ◽  
Training Programmes

Admission testing for conference interpreter training programmes traditionally focuses on skills directly related to the interpreting skills, and while soft skills, such as motivation, are recognised as important, they are not systematically tested or researched. The present study attempts to address this gap by exploring three traits and abilities, namely learning styles, motivation and cognitive flexibility, and to relate them to students’ self-selection for interpreting and to their success on final exams. Three tests were used to compare a group of self-selected interpreting students and applicants (n = 32) and a subgroup of conference interpreting students (n = 14) to a control group of undergraduate students (n = 104), from among whom the majority of Lessius University College interpreting students are recruited: the Inventory of Learning Styles (Vermunt & Rijswijk 1987), the Achievement Motivation Test (Hermans 1968/2004) and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (Grant & Berg 1948). The results show that self-selected interpreting students are cognitively more flexible and are less negatively affected by anxiety. Compared to the control group, successful conference interpreting students, but not unsuccessful students, are cognitively more flexible and benefit more from some level of anxiety. Moreover, all conference interpreting students are less affected by stress than the control group and seem to have more clearly developed learning preferences.

Executive functions disorders in high functioning autism and rehabilitation implications

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S435-S435
Author(s):  
A. Di Santantonio ◽  
M. Manfredini ◽  
N. Varucciu ◽  
M. Fabbri ◽  
M.C. Cutrone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
High Functioning Autism ◽  
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Cognitive Screening ◽  
Card Sorting ◽  
High Functioning

IntroductionThe term executive functions (EFs) includes a set of cognitive processes such as planning, working memory, attention, problem solving, inhibition, mental flexibility, multi-tasking, and initiation and monitoring of actions. EFs are the higher order control processes to guide behaviour.Some studies on the relationship between EFs and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) showed deficit in the cognitive flexibility and speed processing, particularly with Asperger syndrome. Recently, Merchán-Naranjo et al. [1] supported that children's and adolescents with autism without intellectual disability are insufficient in at least 5 domains: attention, working memory, cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control and problem-solving.AimsOur work is aimed at verifying if the presence of a dysexecutive syndrome significantly impacts on the adaptive functioning of people with high functioning autism.MethodsA group of young adults with ASD were administered traditional neuropsychological assessment, specific assessment, focusing on the planning strategies for solving problems (Test Tower of London), abstraction and categorization (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test), and the Dysexecutive Questionnaires.ResultsThe results showed the presence of a specific deficit in the executive functioning in an average cognitive functioning.ConclusionsIntegrate the standard cognitive screening with a specific EFs assessment resulted to be very useful for the clinician to realize neuropsychological and psychotherapeutic individualized treatment.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Neuropsychological Outcome from Psychosurgery for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

1995 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 293-298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Cumming ◽  
Phillipa Hay ◽  
Teresa Lee ◽  
Perminder Sachdev
Keyword(s):  
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Neuropsychological Testing ◽  
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Card Sorting ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Memory Functioning ◽  
Response Sets

Seventeen obsessive-compulsive disorder patients treated with psychosurgery were administered a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery. Their performance on neuropsychological testing was compared with that of an age and severity matched sample of 17 OCD sufferers who had not received psychosurgery. The psychosurgery and control groups did not differ in intellectual or memory functioning, consistent with earlier findings that psychosurgery does not reduce global ability estimates. The psychosurgery group performed more poorly than the control group on an adaptation of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, demonstrating the possible impact of frontal lobe lesions on the abilities underpinning the formation and shifting of response sets.

scholarly journals Parallel model-based and model-free reinforcement learning for card sorting performance

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Steinke ◽  
Florian Lange ◽  
Bruno Kopp
Keyword(s):  
Reinforcement Learning ◽  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
Behavioral Flexibility ◽  
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test ◽  
Card Sorting ◽  
Learning Models ◽  
Model Based ◽  
Model Free ◽  
Reinforcement Learning Models

Abstract The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) is considered a gold standard for the assessment of cognitive flexibility. On the WCST, repeating a sorting category following negative feedback is typically treated as indicating reduced cognitive flexibility. Therefore such responses are referred to as ‘perseveration’ errors. Recent research suggests that the propensity for perseveration errors is modulated by response demands: They occur less frequently when their commitment repeats the previously executed response. Here, we propose parallel reinforcement-learning models of card sorting performance, which assume that card sorting performance can be conceptualized as resulting from model-free reinforcement learning at the level of responses that occurs in parallel with model-based reinforcement learning at the categorical level. We compared parallel reinforcement-learning models with purely model-based reinforcement learning, and with the state-of-the-art attentional-updating model. We analyzed data from 375 participants who completed a computerized WCST. Parallel reinforcement-learning models showed best predictive accuracies for the majority of participants. Only parallel reinforcement-learning models accounted for the modulation of perseveration propensity by response demands. In conclusion, parallel reinforcement-learning models provide a new theoretical perspective on card sorting and it offers a suitable framework for discerning individual differences in latent processes that subserve behavioral flexibility.

Specific cognitive flexibility rehabilitation in schizophrenia

1993 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 221-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann Delahunty ◽  
Rodney Morice ◽  
Barry Frost
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test ◽  
Card Sorting ◽  
Training Approach ◽  
Schizophrenic Patients ◽  
Psychiatric Rating ◽  
Psychiatric Rating Scale ◽  
Performance Gains

SynopsisA Cognitive Shift neurocognitive training module was developed in the attempt to ameliorate cognitive flexibility deficits in chronic schizophrenic patients. A procedural training approach hypothesized the exercise of specific neural network processes, identified from theories of frontal and prefrontal lobe functioning. Three male patients who underwent the intensive program demonstrated significant gains in Wisconsin Card Sorting Test performance, gains that were maintained at a six month reassessment. Expanded Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (a measure of symptomatology) and Life Skills Profile (a measure of daily functioning) measures showed smaller improvements. The ability to improve cognitive flexibility could have important implications for the treatment of schizophrenia.

Cognitive Flexibility in Primary Dystonia

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 662-670 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florian Lange ◽  
Caroline Seer ◽  
Reinhard Dengler ◽  
Dirk Dressler ◽  
Bruno Kopp
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Hemifacial Spasm ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test ◽  
Motor Symptoms ◽  
Card Sorting ◽  
Cognitive Inflexibility ◽  
Primary Dystonia ◽  
Similar Motor ◽  
Integration Errors

AbstractObjectives Although primary dystonia is typically characterized as a movement disorder, it is also associated with cognitive alterations in the domain of executive functioning which may arise from changes in cortico-basal ganglia circuits. Specifically, in comparison to healthy controls, patients with dystonia show deficits in neuropsychological tests of cognitive flexibility. However, it is unclear whether cognitive inflexibility is caused by the pathomechanisms underlying primary dystonia or by confounding factors such as depression or symptom-related distraction.Methods The present study aimed to eliminate these confounds by examining cognitive flexibility in dystonia patients and in patients with similar motor symptoms but without a comparable central pathophysiology. Eighteen patients with primary blepharospasm, a common form of dystonia affecting the muscles around the eyes, and 19 patients with hemifacial spasm, a facial nerve disorder causing similar eyelid spasms, completed a computerized version of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (cWCST). The two groups were further compared on tests of global cognitive functioning, psychiatric symptoms, health status, and impulsiveness. Results Blepharospasm patients committed significantly more errors on the cWCST than patients with hemifacial spasm. Group differences were most pronounced with regard to integration errors, a measure of rule-inference processes on the cWCST. Integration errors were also associated with impulsiveness in patients with blepharospasm. Conclusions Primary blepharospasm is related to deficits in cognitive flexibility, even when blepharospasm patients are compared with patients who suffer from motor symptoms of non-dystonic origin. Our results support the possibility that cognitive inflexibility results from the specific pathophysiological processes underlying primary dystonia. (JINS, 2016, 22, 662–670)

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