Title :
Combining embodied models and empirical research for understanding the development of shared attention
Author :
Fasel, Ian ; Deák, Gedeon O. ; Triesch, Jochen ; Movellan, Javier
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Cognitive Sci., California Univ., San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
Abstract :
The capacity for shared attention is a cornerstone of human social intelligence. We propose that the development of shared attention depends on a proper interaction of motivational biases and contingency learning mechanisms operating in an appropriately structured environment. Atypical contingency learning leads to deficits in shared attention as seen in children with autism. To test this theory, we describe a research effort that combines theoretically rigorous modeling techniques using both simulated and robotic learning systems with empirical investigations of social learning and development in infants and toddlers with and without developmental disabilities. We believe that studying embodied learning models, whose input data (from a real or virtual caregiver) is modeled after real infant-caregiver interactions, will lead to a better understanding of the development and dysfunction of shared attention.
Keywords :
behavioural sciences; learning (artificial intelligence); man-machine systems; psychology; robots; social sciences; autism; caregiver; contingency learning mechanisms; developmental disabilities; dysfunction; embodied models; empirical research; human social intelligence; infants; modeling techniques; motivational biases; robotic learning systems; shared attention development; simulated learning systems; social learning; toddlers; Autism; Cognitive science; Detectors; Humans; Information filtering; Information filters; Learning systems; Pediatrics; Robot kinematics; System testing;
Conference_Titel :
Development and Learning, 2002. Proceedings. The 2nd International Conference on
Print_ISBN :
0-7695-1459-6
DOI :
10.1109/DEVLRN.2002.1011724