Space as a scaffold for rotational generalisation of abstract concepts.

ABSTRACT: Learning invariances allows us to generalise. In the visual modality, invariant representations allow us to recognise objects despite translations or rotations in physical space. However, how we learn the invariances that allow us to generalise abstract patterns of sensory data ('concepts') is a longstanding puzzle. Here, we study how humans generalise relational patterns in stimulation sequences that are defined by either transitions on a nonspatial two-dimensional feature manifold, or by transitions in physical space. We measure rotational generalisation, i.e., the ability to recognise concepts even when their corresponding transition vectors are rotated. We find that humans naturally generalise to rotated exemplars when stimuli are defined in physical space, but not when they are define

SUBMITTER: Pesnot Lerousseau J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10990485 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature