Structuring spatial knowledge through domain-general, non-spatial learning mechanisms
OutOfSpace aims to explore how non-spatial associative learning influences spatial representations, using interdisciplinary methods to enhance our understanding of cognitive mapping.
Projectdetails
Introduction
Is space the main organizer of our mental reality? The answer to this question is apparently "yes." According to recent views, nearly any type of knowledge would be organized through low-dimensional geometries relying on the same computations that are at play in the navigation of the physical space, as attested by the involvement of the hippocampal-entorhinal region in high-level cognition.
Evolutionary Perspective
From an evolutionary standpoint, spatial processing mechanisms might have thus developed from originally mapping the navigable environment to representing cognitive spaces.
Research Hypothesis
Moving beyond this spatiocentric view of the human mind, OutOfSpace will test the fascinating yet apparently counterintuitive hypothesis that non-spatial associative learning mechanisms are active (if not the main) ingredients in structuring spatial representations.
Methodology
To pursue this aim, OutOfSpace will employ cognitively plausible computational models (i.e., distributional semantic models) based on non-spatial associative learning mechanisms to extract latent knowledge from natural language. This non-spatial information will then be used to predict a variety of spatial representations, using a pioneering interdisciplinary approach that combines:
- Computational work
- Behavioural studies
- Eye tracking
- fMRI
- TMS-EEG
- Intracranial EEG work
This research will be conducted in both sighted and blind individuals.
Expected Contributions
OutOfSpace will thus make a breakthrough on two fronts:
- Probing whether language - a non-spatial learning environment - can encode and recode spatial knowledge without the need for a dedicated spatial memory system.
- Attesting the strict interplay between spatial and non-spatial learning mechanisms in structuring mental representations.
Conclusion
More generally, these findings will open the venue to developing a more comprehensive, empirically-based cognitive neuroscience framework for processing and representing spatial information.
Financiële details & Tijdlijn
Financiële details
Subsidiebedrag | € 1.499.688 |
Totale projectbegroting | € 1.499.688 |
Tijdlijn
Startdatum | 1-3-2024 |
Einddatum | 28-2-2029 |
Subsidiejaar | 2024 |
Partners & Locaties
Projectpartners
- UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI PAVIApenvoerder
Land(en)
Vergelijkbare projecten binnen European Research Council
Project | Regeling | Bedrag | Jaar | Actie |
---|---|---|---|---|
Neural Circuits Enabling Navigational SimulationsThis project aims to uncover the neural mechanisms of goal-directed navigation in rats by studying the interactions between the orbitofrontal cortex and hippocampus, enhancing understanding of spatial reasoning and psychiatric disorders. | ERC Consolid... | € 1.994.360 | 2023 | Details |
Spatial 3D Semantic Understanding for Perception in the WildThe project aims to develop new algorithms for robust 3D visual perception and semantic understanding from 2D images, enhancing machine perception and immersive technologies. | ERC Starting... | € 1.500.000 | 2023 | Details |
Neuronal implementation of cognitive maps for navigationThis project aims to elucidate the mechanisms of cognitive maps in zebrafish by integrating brain imaging, electron microscopy, and transcriptomics to understand neuronal connectivity and behavior. | ERC Synergy ... | € 9.992.890 | 2025 | Details |
Creating KnowledgeThis project aims to test a new theory on experience-dependent learning by investigating how knowledge networks are built and updated across species using innovative behavioral and neuroimaging techniques. | ERC Consolid... | € 2.000.000 | 2024 | Details |
Flexible Dimensionality of Representational Spaces in Category LearningThis project investigates how the brain flexibly adjusts dimensionality in visual learning tasks using multimodal approaches across species to uncover neural mechanisms and enhance educational strategies. | ERC Consolid... | € 2.141.929 | 2025 | Details |
Neural Circuits Enabling Navigational Simulations
This project aims to uncover the neural mechanisms of goal-directed navigation in rats by studying the interactions between the orbitofrontal cortex and hippocampus, enhancing understanding of spatial reasoning and psychiatric disorders.
Spatial 3D Semantic Understanding for Perception in the Wild
The project aims to develop new algorithms for robust 3D visual perception and semantic understanding from 2D images, enhancing machine perception and immersive technologies.
Neuronal implementation of cognitive maps for navigation
This project aims to elucidate the mechanisms of cognitive maps in zebrafish by integrating brain imaging, electron microscopy, and transcriptomics to understand neuronal connectivity and behavior.
Creating Knowledge
This project aims to test a new theory on experience-dependent learning by investigating how knowledge networks are built and updated across species using innovative behavioral and neuroimaging techniques.
Flexible Dimensionality of Representational Spaces in Category Learning
This project investigates how the brain flexibly adjusts dimensionality in visual learning tasks using multimodal approaches across species to uncover neural mechanisms and enhance educational strategies.