Rational analysis
Rational analysis is a theoretical framework, methodology, and research program in
Rational analysis starts from the assumption that the mind is adapted to its environment. Rational analysis uses this assumption to investigate the structure and purpose of
cognitive processes by studying the structure of the environment. The methodology of rational analysis comprises six steps:[1][3]
- Goals: Specify precisely the goals of the cognitive system.
- Environment: Develop a formal model of the environment to which the system is adapted.
- Computational Limitations: Make the minimal assumptions about computational limitations.
- Optimization: Derive the optimal behavioral function given 1-3 above.
- Data: Examine the empirical literature to see whether the predictions of the behavioral function are confirmed.
- Iteration: Repeat, iteratively refining the theory
Rational analysis has been applied to memory, categorization, causal inference, problem solving,[2] and reasoning.[4] Recent work in rational analysis often involves Bayesian cognitive science.
This framework has been recently extended by
Thomas L. Griffiths that have proposed the so-called Resource-Rational Analysis (RRA), trying to incorporate additional constraints from those minimally hypothesized by the Rational analysis. Such constraints also consider, for example, which cognitive operations are actually available to a cognitive agent and their time and cost demands [5]
.
References
- ^ S2CID 143807810.
- ^ a b Anderson, J. R. (1990). "The adaptive character of thought". Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
- ^ S2CID 14148435.
- .
- ^ Lieder, F.; Griffiths, T. L. (2019). "Resource-rational analysis: Understanding human cognition as the optimal use of limited computational resources". Behavioral and Brain Sciences: 1–69.
