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

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,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Scientific reports 2020-12, Vol.10 (1), p.21623-21623, Article 21623
Main Authors: Granato, Giovanni, Borghi, Anna M., Baldassarre, Gianluca
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
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Cognition
Cognitive ability
Computational neuroscience
Computer Simulation
Female
Flexibility
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humans
Information processing
Language
Male
multidisciplinary
Science
Science (multidisciplinary)
Short term memory
Speech
Speech perception
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test
Young Adult
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Summary: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, 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.
ISSN:2045-2322
2045-2322
DOI:10.1038/s41598-020-78252-y