Topic: programmatic models

A major goal of neuroscience is to discover mathematical models that describe how the brain implements cognitive processes like learning and decision-making. Historically, the field has relied on handcrafted models, often motivated by normative considerations about optimal choice behavior, which are then modified to fit the idiosyncrasies of animal behavior. These models re-quire substantial effort to devise, and are often limited in their ability to fully predict animal behavior. However, these programmatic models provide insight and afford interpretation: variables like“prediction err