558 research outputs found
Algorithmic Complexity for Short Binary Strings Applied to Psychology: A Primer
Since human randomness production has been studied and widely used to assess
executive functions (especially inhibition), many measures have been suggested
to assess the degree to which a sequence is random-like. However, each of them
focuses on one feature of randomness, leading authors to have to use multiple
measures. Here we describe and advocate for the use of the accepted universal
measure for randomness based on algorithmic complexity, by means of a novel
previously presented technique using the the definition of algorithmic
probability. A re-analysis of the classical Radio Zenith data in the light of
the proposed measure and methodology is provided as a study case of an
application.Comment: To appear in Behavior Research Method
Approximations of Algorithmic and Structural Complexity Validate Cognitive-behavioural Experimental Results
We apply methods for estimating the algorithmic complexity of sequences to
behavioural sequences of three landmark studies of animal behavior each of
increasing sophistication, including foraging communication by ants, flight
patterns of fruit flies, and tactical deception and competition strategies in
rodents. In each case, we demonstrate that approximations of Logical Depth and
Kolmogorv-Chaitin complexity capture and validate previously reported results,
in contrast to other measures such as Shannon Entropy, compression or ad hoc.
Our method is practically useful when dealing with short sequences, such as
those often encountered in cognitive-behavioural research. Our analysis
supports and reveals non-random behavior (LD and K complexity) in flies even in
the absence of external stimuli, and confirms the "stochastic" behaviour of
transgenic rats when faced that they cannot defeat by counter prediction. The
method constitutes a formal approach for testing hypotheses about the
mechanisms underlying animal behaviour.Comment: 28 pages, 7 figures and 2 table
Computational universes
Suspicions that the world might be some sort of a machine or algorithm
existing ``in the mind'' of some symbolic number cruncher have lingered from
antiquity. Although popular at times, the most radical forms of this idea never
reached mainstream. Modern developments in physics and computer science have
lent support to the thesis, but empirical evidence is needed before it can
begin to replace our contemporary world view.Comment: Several corrections of typos and smaller revisions, final versio
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