The CEU Department of Cognitive Science and the Center for Cognitive
Computation (CCC) invites you to the following talk.
Speaker: Gašper
Tkačik (Institute of Science and Technology Austria)
Statistical analysis, optimality, and efficient attentional
modulation
Abstract: This talk consists of two parts. In the first part, I will briefly
outline a way to unify normative (optimization) theories of biological system function with statistical inference. This is achieved a coherent Bayesian framework that embeds a normative theory into a family of maximum-entropy ‘‘optimization priors.’’ This
family defines a smooth interpolation between a data-rich inference regime and a data-limited prediction regime. I will use simple examples from neuroscience to show how this framework allows one to address a number of fundamental statistical challenges relating
to inference in high-dimensional, biological problems.
In the second part, I will present recent work on efficient sensory coding in
systems with top-down feedback. In a normative model of dynamic population coding in visual cortex, a perceptual observer constantly and optimally tunes the sensory population to solve a perceptual inference task while maintaining coding efficiency. This optimal
behavior leads to attention-like modulation and explains a number of seemingly disparate cortical phenomena.
Time: 17:00,
Monday, December 18., 2023.
Location: CEU,
1051 Budapest, Nádor u. 15, Room 202. and Zoom (Meeting ID:
995
5149 4059 Passcode:
086066)
Chair: Máté Lengyel
Please, be informed that video/photo recording might
take place at the event and the edited version of the video material might be published to communicate or promote CEU's activities. Please, find our Privacy Notice
here.