Abstract :
Some properties of neurons are discussed which must be considered in formulating models of their interaction. Among these are characteristics of nerve membranes. Under certain weak conditions on the parameters a neural element may behave as a logical element. With other values of the parameters the behavior can be approximated by a continuous model in which only an average output rate is taken into account as a function of the input. This latter approach is stressed here. Applications to a number of psychological problems are mentioned. Among these are a mechanism for response to curvature in movement, enhancement effects, flicker phenomena, discrimination, and detection of real and apparent movement.
