Modelling Natural Action Selection

Uses cutting-edge computational models to explore the fundamental biological problem of action selection in nature.

Anil K. Seth (Edited by), Tony J. Prescott (Edited by), Joanna J. Bryson (Edited by)

9781107000490, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 10 November 2011

560 pages, 135 b/w illus.
25.4 x 18.3 x 3 cm, 1.3 kg

'… the volume could make the basis for a terrific interdisciplinary graduate seminar, or serve as a means for postdoctoral researchers to get into a related field …' Marc Mangel, The Quarterly Review of Biology

Action selection is the task of doing the right thing at the right time. It requires the assessment of available alternatives, executing those most appropriate, and resolving conflicts among competing goals and possibilities. Using advanced computational modelling, this book explores cutting-edge research into action selection in nature from a wide range of disciplines, from neuroscience to behavioural ecology, and even political science. It delivers new insights into both detailed and systems-level attributes of natural intelligence and demonstrates advances in methodological practice. Contributions from leading researchers cover issues including whether biological action selection is optimal, neural substrates for action selection in the vertebrate brain, perceptual selection in decision making, and interactions between group and individual action selection. This first integrated review of action selection in nature contains a balance of review and original research material, consolidating current knowledge into a valuable reference for researchers while illustrating potential paths for future studies.

Foreword Peter M. Todd
1. General introduction Anil K. Seth, Joanna J. Bryson and Tony J. Prescott
Part I. Rational and Optimal Decision Making: 2. Introduction to Part I: rational and optimal decision making Anil K. Seth, Tony J. Prescott and Joanna J. Bryson
3. Do we expect natural selection to produce rational behaviour? Alasdair I. Houston, John M. McNamara and Mark D. Steer
4. Optimised agent-based modelling of action selection Anil K. Seth
5. Compromise strategies for action selection Frederick L. Crabbe
6. Extending a biologically inspired model of choice: multi-alternatives, nonlinearity and value based multidimensional choice Rafal Bogacz, Marius Usher, Jiaxiang Zhang and James L. McClelland
7. Bayesian approaches to modelling action selection Max Berniker, Kunlin Wei and Konrad Kording
8. Post-retrieval inhibition in sequential memory search Eddy J. Davelaar
Part II. Computational Neuroscience Models: 9. Introduction to Part II: computational neuroscience models Tony J. Prescott, Joanna J. Bryson and Anil K. Seth
10. Action selection and refinement in subcortical loops through basal ganglia and cerebellum James C. Houk
11. Cortical mechanisms of action selection: the affordance competition hypothesis Paul Cisek
12. Toward an executive without a homunculus: computational models of the prefrontal/basal ganglia system Thomas E. Hazy, Michael J. Frank and Randall C. O'Reilly
13. Hierarchically organized behaviour and its neural foundations Matthew M. Botvinick, Yael Niv and Andrew C. Barto
14. The medial reticular formation: a brainstem substrate for simple action selection? Mark D. Humphries, Kevin N. Gurney and Tony J. Prescott
15. Understanding decision making deficits in neurological conditions: insights from models of natural action selection Michael J. Frank, Anouk Scheres and Scott J. Sherman
16. Biologically constrained action selection improves cognitive control in a model of the Stroop task Tom Stafford and Kevin N. Gurney
17. Mechanisms of choice in the primate brain: a quick look at positive feedback Jonathan M. Chambers, Kevin N. Gurney, Mark D. Humphries and Tony J. Prescott
Part III. Action Selection in Social Contexts: 18. Introduction to Part III: action selection in social contexts Joanna J. Bryson, Tony J. Prescott and Anil K. Seth
19. Agent-based models as scientific methodology: a case study analyzing the DomWorld theory of primate social structure and female dominance Joanna J. Bryson, Yasushi Ando and Hagen Lehmann
20. An agent-based model of group decision making in baboons Russell A. Hill, Brian S. Logan, William I. Sellers and Julian Zappala
21. Endogenous birth and death of political parties in dynamic party competition Michael Laver, Ernest Sergenti and Michel Schilperoord
22. On optimal decision-making in brains and social insect colonies James A. R. Marshall, Rafal Bogacz, Anna Dornhaus, Robert Planqué, Tim Kovacs and Nigel R. Franks
23. State-dependent foraging rules for social animals in selfish herds Sean A. Rands, Richard A. Pettifor, J. Marcus Rowcliffe and Guy Cowlishaw
Index.

Subject Areas: Genetics [non-medical PSAK], Evolution [PSAJ], Biology, life sciences [PS]