Abstract
We introduce a particular Attractor Neural Network (ANN) with a learning rule able to store sets of patterns with a two-level ultrametric structure, in order to model human semantic memory operation. Our simulations show that this model is able to reproduce a particular quantitative feature of this operation observed in experiments with human subjects, i.e. the correlation between high values of the prototypicity of exemplars of a given concept and low values of recognition reaction times for phrases asserting that the same exemplars belong to this concept. This shows that ANNs can be considered as good candidates for modelling some features of human semantic memory.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Amit D. Modeling Brain Function. The World of Attractor Neural Networks. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1989.
Chang T.M. Semantic memory: Facts and models. Psychol.Bull 1986; 99: 199–220
Collins A. and Loftus E.F. A spreading activation theory of semantic processing.Psychol.Rev. 1975; 82: 407–428.
Feigelman M.V. and Ioffe, L.B. The augmented models of associative memory: asymmetric interaction and hierarchy of patterns. Int.J.Mod.Phys. 1987; Bl: 51–60.
Johnson-Laird P.N., Herrmann D.J. and Chaffin R. Only connections: A critique of semantic networks. Psychol.Bull. 1984; 96: 292–315.
McCloskey M. The stimulus familiarity problem in semantic memory research. J. of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior. 1980; 19: 485–502.
Parga N. and Virasoro M.A. The ultrametric organization of memories in a neural network. Journal de Physique 1986; 47: 1857–1864.
Tulving E. Episodic and semantic memory. In E.Tulving and E.Donaldson (eds) Organization of memory. Academic Press, New York, pp. 382–404, 1972.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1998 Springer-Verlag London Limited
About this paper
Cite this paper
Pessa, E., Penna, M.P. (1998). Attractor Neural Networks as Models of Semantic Memory. In: Marinaro, M., Tagliaferri, R. (eds) Neural Nets WIRN VIETRI-97. Perspectives in Neural Computing. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-1520-5_12
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-1520-5_12
Publisher Name: Springer, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-1522-9
Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-1520-5
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive