Cognition in chemistry: Exploring how the brain encodes and manipulates scientific models

化学认知：探索大脑如何编码和操纵科学模型

• 批准号: RGPIN-2020-04466
• 负责人: Bongers, Amanda
• 金额: $ 1.75万
• 依托单位: Queen's University
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2021
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2021-01-01 至 2022-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=739971
• 关键词: Cognition; chemistry; Exploring; how; brain

In daily life, scientists and engineers use complex diagrams to model concrete things and simulate processes. Such models are essential in the field of chemistry where molecules and reaction dynamics are invisible even under the microscope, and the development of modelling technology is of high importance for innovation. Despite decades of research into the mechanisms of visual working memory and neural sensory processes, we still know little about how the brain encodes and manipulates even simple models in science, and less about the role of expertise. Our research program targets these questions using a novel combination of behavioural experiments, eye-tracking, and continuous brain scanning with electroencephalography (EEG) with the long-term goal of making major conceptual advances in the field of cognitive science. This can lead to practical innovations in visualization, modelling, and complex experiences like virtual or augmented reality which are relevant in diverse areas such as pharmaceutical drug design, military training, and science communication. This proposal outlines three connected streams of research that address fundamental research questions for understanding cognition of chemistry. Stream 1 will test the hypothesis that visual representations of molecules are encoded differently than those of chemical reactions and explore the role of expertise using eye-tracking technology. Stream 2 will study how the brain manipulates mental images of chemistry reactions and test the hypothesis that using mental imagery and drawing can improve memory of chemistry concepts. Stream 3 will combine behavioural assessments with continuous EEG measurement during rest and task to investigate the neural correlates of domain-specific conceptual knowledge. As the "central science", chemistry connects all science disciplines and the proposed research will form the basis of future studies into the cognition of scientific models. This multidisciplinary research program will enable trainees to develop into independent researchers and gain expertise in state-of-the-art techniques. Trainees will lead their own projects, developing and combining their knowledge of chemistry and cognitive science in a collaborative research environment.

在日常生活中，科学家和工程师使用复杂的图表来模拟具体的事物和模拟过程。这种模型在化学领域是必不可少的，因为即使在显微镜下也看不见分子和反应动力学，而建模技术的发展对创新具有非常重要的意义。尽管对视觉工作记忆和神经感觉过程的机制进行了数十年的研究，但我们仍然对大脑如何编码和操纵科学中的简单模型知之甚少，对专业知识的作用更是知之甚少。我们的研究计划针对这些问题，使用行为实验、眼球跟踪和连续脑扫描与脑电(EEG)的新组合，长期目标是在认知科学领域取得重大概念性进展。这可以导致可视化、建模以及虚拟或增强现实等复杂体验方面的实际创新，这些体验与制药药物设计、军事训练和科学交流等不同领域相关。这一建议概述了三个相互关联的研究流，这些研究流解决了理解化学认知的基础研究问题。Stream 1将测试分子的视觉表示与化学反应的视觉表示的编码方式不同的假设，并使用眼球跟踪技术探索专业知识的作用。Stream 2将研究大脑如何操纵化学反应的心理图像，并测试使用心理图像和绘画可以改善化学概念记忆的假设。流3将在休息和任务期间将行为评估与连续的脑电测量相结合，以调查特定领域概念知识的神经关联。化学作为“中心科学”，联系着所有的科学学科，所提出的研究将成为未来研究科学模型认知的基础。这一多学科研究计划将使受训人员能够发展成为独立的研究人员，并获得最先进的技术专业知识。学员将领导自己的项目，在合作研究环境中发展和结合他们的化学和认知科学知识。