By creating a centralized base of expertise, collaboration
and hardware facilities, connectionist ("neural
network") simulations of data pertaining to any
project in the network can be developed. The project
will be headed by Dr. Marc Joanisse, a cognitive neuroscientist
with extensive knowledge in both connectionist models
and empirical research in language development. It will
include a network of high-performance computer workstations
that can be accessed through the Internet to support
modeling activities at any CLLRnet node.
The modeling research group will collaborate with researchers
throughout the network to facilitate the development
and application of models to data from CLLRnet projects.
Close collaboration will allow modeling projects to
evolve in parallel with the empirical projects. This
is a significant departure from and major improvement
over the way that modeling has typically been undertaken
B at arms length from the actual empirical data.
The project will also train researchers on the types
of techniques necessary for developing connectionist
simulations. This includes training graduate research
assistants and postdoctoral fellows to develop simulations
of cognitive processes. Finally, we will create a network
of high performance computers for developing and running
simulations.