A computational model of language functions in flexible goal-directed behaviour

Abstract

The function of language in high-order goal-directed human cognition is an important topic at the centre of current debates. Experimental evidence shows that inner speech, representing a self-directed form of language, empowers cognitive processes such as working memory, perception, categorization, and executive functions. Here we study the relations between inner speech and processes like feedback processing and cognitive flexibility. To this aim we propose a computational model that controls an artificial agent who uses inner speech to internally manipulate its representations. The agent is able to reproduce human behavioural data collected during the solution of the Wisconsin Card Sorting test, a neuropsychological test measuring cognitive flexibility, both in the basic condition and when a verbal shadowing protocol is used. The components of the model were systematically lesioned to clarify the specific impact of inner speech on the agent’s behaviour. The results indicate that inner speech improves the efficiency of internal representation manipulation. Specifically, it makes the representations linked to specific visual features more disentangled, thus improving the agent’s capacity to engage/disengage attention on stimulus features after positive/negative action outcomes. Overall, the model shows how inner speech could improve goal-directed internal manipulation of representations and enhance behavioural flexibility.

Autism and inner speech: a computational model of language functions in autistic flexible behaviour

“…We adopted the same procedure corroborated in [6] to execute the parameters search, aimed to find the parameters of the models that produce the behaviour that best fits those of human populations. In particular we randomly-sampled 3, 000 combinations of parameters each drawn with a uniform distribution in the following ranges: φ: (0.0, 1.0); µ: (0.0, 1.0); τ : (0.0, 0.3); λ: (0.0, 1.0).…”

“…Evidence has shown that inner speech plays an important role in supporting cognition. In particular, it boosts categorisation processes [2,3], executive functions [4,5,6], working memory [7], metacognition [8], and motivation [9]. Several experimental and clinical studies started to investigate the role of inner speech in psychiatric and neurodiversity conditions (for a recent review, see [10]).…”

Autism and Inner Speech: A Computational Model of Language Functions in Autistic Flexible Behaviour

“…An updated version of the model was enhanced with the addition of an inner speech component and was validated in [6]. The model reproduced a complete behavioural profile (WCST indices) of three groups of teenagers in different experimental conditions: control, motor tapping and verbal tapping.…”

“…These components support the cognitive functions needed to perform the task in a goal-directed manner. We reported the computational details of the model in Supplementary Materials and a throughout analysis of the model computational architecture and dynamics is presented in [6].…”

“…Evidence has shown that inner speech plays an important role in supporting cognition. In particular, it boosts A PREPRINT -JULY 23,2021 categorisation processes [2,3], executive functions [4,5,6], working memory [7], metacognition [8], and motivation [9]. Several experimental and clinical studies started to investigate the role of inner speech in psychiatric and neurodiversity conditions (for a recent review, see [10]).…”