Framework for Modeling the Cognitive Process

1. Framework for Modeling the Cognitive Process Spatial and Temporal Considerations in a Signal-Based Approach Paul Yaworsky AFRL/IFSB 10th ICCRTS 13-16 June 2005

2. Command & Control (C2) C1 - Command C2 - Command, Control C3 - Command, Control, Communications C4 - Command, Control, Communications, Computers C5 - Command, Control, Communications, Computers, … Combat … Coalition … Consultation … Collaboration … Command requires Cognition!

3. Definitions of “Cognition” cog•ni•tion [cognoscere to know]: knowing, knowledge Other (loose) definitions of cognition include: awareness, thinking, reasoning, understanding, mental processes (esp. high order), “of the mind”…

4. A “Signal-Based” Approach • Signal is a generic term used for cognitive activity • Signal use is modeled after pulses, oscillations in brain • A Signal has frequency, phase, amplitude components • A Signal exists in space and in time • A Signalcan be input, output, or internal activity • A Signal can be data, information, knowledge, etc. • A Signalcan be abstract, conceptual, etc. • A Signalcan be formal, physical, symbolic, etc. • • •

5. Descriptions of “Cognition” Transformations Pyramids Domains One Wisdom Intelligence Understanding } Cognitive Knowledge } Information Information } Many Physical Sensors/Data

6. “Frame the Perspective” (Space) Information (Time)

7. Framework for Modeling Cognition Abstract Conceptual (Raw) (Theoretical) Abstraction Data Information Knowledge (Practical) Formal (Fundamental) Concrete Specific General Generalization

8. Describe Signals Changing in Time (Horizontal Dimension in Framework) (e.g., temporal states) (Time)

9. DATA DATA INFORMATION KNOWLEDGE “Data...” • represents the majority of input signals • has the highest frequency/shortest period • is the least organized type of signals

10. KNOWLEDGE DATA INFORMATION KNOWLEDGE “Knowledge…” • is the most organized type of signals • has the lowest frequency/longest period • represents the majority of output signals

11. Data Information Knowledge What Happens to Mental Signals in Time? Many Signals Timely Specific Few Signals Timeless General t= 0 t= ∞ Humans Generalize…

12. DATA INFORMATION KNOWLEDGE The Essence of Generalization • Produces Knowledge • Many signals transformed into fewer ones • Time abstracted out of signals KNOWLEDGE (Time)

13. Describe Signals Changing in Space (Vertical Dimension in Framework) (e.g., spatial forms, representations) (Space)

14. Concepts Information Formal What Happens to Mental Signals in Space? Few Signals, Formless, Abstract Many Signals, Formal, Concrete Humans Abstract…

15. CONCEPTS INFORMATION FORM The Essence of Abstraction • Produces Concepts • Many signals transformed into fewer ones • Form abstracted out of signals CONCEPTS (Space)

16. Abstraction: Two Opposing Forms Abstract,conceptual, informal, apparent, complex, combined, notional, seeming, cognitive, ideal, intangible; “mental” model of reality ... Formal,concrete, certain, absolute, fundamental, simple, basic, primitive, practical, principle, factual, sensory, machine-like; “physical” model of reality ...

17. Example of Abstraction (Representation Across Multiple Levels) Abstract, Conceptual … (“Mental”) Thinking Speaking Writing Formal, Concrete … (“Physical”)

18. Some Basic Signal Properties… (Spatial and Temporal Considerations)

19. Signal Scaling

20. Signal Coupling

21. Signal Filtering

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23. A Main Point of the Process • Signals proceed from “many to one”…

24. Cognition Involves the Ability to: Abstract Generalize

25. CONCEPTS INFORMATION FORM Essence of Abstraction CONCEPTS (Space)

26. DATA INFORMATION KNOWLEDGE Essence of Generalization KNOWLEDGE (Time)

27. Conclusion This conceptual framework, while relatively simple, has potentially far-reaching effects in the domain of modeling cognition.