Computational Cognitive Modeling, the Source of Power, and Other Related Issues

Abstract

In computational cognitive modeling, we hypothesize internal mental processes of human cognitive activities and express such activities by computer programs. Such computational models often consist of many components and aspects. Claims are often made that certain aspects play a key role in modeling, but such claims are sometimes not well justified or explored. In this article, we first review some fundamental distinctions and issues in computational modeling. We then discuss, in principle, systematic ways of identifying the source of power in models.