Some researchers are examining actual structural changes in the nervous system that accompany the learning of new material as well as the neuropharmacological systems important for memory. Others examine the system of brain structures that support memory, isolating structures critical for different components of memory, such as those important in learning new information versus those critical for retrieving previously acquired information. Another approach taken at the Beckman Institute is to examine how the emotional state of an organism or its goals influence the computational and physiological mechanisms involved in memory. These issues are important in a wide variety of domains from understanding the nature of memory disorders, such as mental retardation and Alzheimer's disease, to considering the form in which information should be presented so it can best be remembered. Planning and Feedback from Actions Intelligent systems must also be able to formulate goals and evaluate progress towards them.
Psychologists examine how plans of action occur, such as the planning of speech utterances.
This information has been used to create computational models of performance that can predict the nature of disorders observed in individuals who have difficulty in speech output as a result of brain damage. Researchers in artificial intelligence examine how error information can be used in machine learning to influence subsequent decisions and actions. Communication Intelligent systems need to communicate with one another so that information can be exchanged. Some researchers at the Beckman Institute are exploring molecular mechanisms that support communication, such as the expression of particular genes during the acquisition of bird song. Others explore the critical elements necessary for a communication system and how those characteristics aid acquisition of language by young children.