Fernand GOBET

 

I ran the 2012 London Marathon to fight animal cruelty! Please support me! http://www.justgiving.com/Fernand-Gobet

 

PhD Opportunities

Please contact me if you are interested in doing a PhD in my current domains of research, including:

• Psychology of expertise
• Computational modelling with the CHREST architecture
• Modelling the acquisition of syntax and/or vocabulary
• Foundations of computational modelling
• Use of artificial-intelligence techniques for semi-automatically developing scientific theories

Recent Research Funding

Joseph Rowntree Foundation (2012). Risk, trust and relationships in an ageing society. With Mary Gilhooly and others (£27,510

British Academy (2010-2012). Cognitive models of problem gambling: Testing the implicit-learning hypothesis. (£83,447)

Economic and Social Research Council (2009-2012). Modelling the (expert) mind. (£385,024).

Economic and Social Research Council (2008-2011). Modelling the cross-linguistic pattern of verb-marking and utterance-internal omission errors in MOSAIC using syllabified input. With Julian Pine and Daniel Freudenthal. (£389,874).

The Leverhulme Trust (2008-2010). Title: Investigating the cognitive deficits that underlie specific language impairment. With Gary Jones and Julian Pine. (£101,053)

Economic and Social Research Council. PhD Studentship for Mazda Beigi (2007-2011). With Andrew Parton. (£45,000)

Brunel University. Complexity PhD Studentship (2007-2010). With Mark Atherton and Hamed Al-Raweshidy. (£54,505)

European Union: Explaining Religion (2007-2010) With Harvey Whitehouse and others. (£1,386,690)

 

Curriculum Vitae

Degrees

MA in Psychology, 1986 University of Fribourg, Switzerland. Thesis : "Influence of uncontrollability on chess problem solving" (in French)

Ph. D. in Psychology, 1992 University of Fribourg, Switzerland. Thesis : "The memories of a chessplayer" (in French)

Appointments held

2003-present. Professor of Cognitive Psychology. School of Social Sciences, Brunel University.

2000-2003. Allan Standen Reader in Intelligent Systems. ESRC Centre for Research in Development, Instruction and Training, School of Psychology, University of Nottingham.

1998-2000. Senior Research Fellow / Lecturer. ESRC Centre for Research in Development, Instruction and Training, Department of Psychology, University of Nottingham.

1996-98. Research Fellow / Lecturer. ESRC Centre for Research in Development, Instruction and Training, Department of Psychology, University of Nottingham.

1992-95. Post-doctoral fellow, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh PA.

1990-91. Visiting Researcher, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh PA.

1987-89. Research assistant, Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg (Switz.)

1981-89. Co-editor of the Swiss Chess Review.

Research interests

My research spans cognitive science, cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, artificial intelligence, education, and philosophy. It is centred around the development of the CHREST (Chunks Hierarchies and REtrieval STructures) architecture. CHREST has been applied to chess expertise, concept formation, the acquisition of multiple diagrammatic representations, and the acquisition of syntax and of vocabulary. I’m also interested in the methodology of developing computational models.

I'm trying to understand the mechanisms underlying the acquisition of expertise, with a special focus on learning, memory, perception and attention processes in skilled individuals. This interest in understanding expertise has also led me to research individual differences and teaching and training methods in education.

My research uses experimental investigations, computer simulations, and theoretical investigations.

 

Psychology of expertise

This project of studying expertise under its various aspects has been carried out in collaboration with the late Herbert Simon (Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh) and Adriaan de Groot (University of Groningen), as well as with several former PhD students (Guillermo Campitelli, Merim Bilalic, and Philippe Chassy). The goal is to understand the acquisition of (chess) expertise, with a special focus on learning, memory, perception and attention processes in skilled individuals. It has included experimental investigations, brain imaging, computer simulations, and theoretical work. In collaboration with Peter Lane, I've extended this approach to the study of memory for computer programs.

Chess expertise

 

Main publications

 

Books

• Gobet, F. (2011). Psychologie du talent et de l’expertise. Paris: De Boeck.

• Gobet, F., de Voogt, A., & Retschitzki, J. (2004). Moves in mind: The psychology of board games. Hove, UK: Psychology Press.

• de Groot, A. & Gobet, F. (1996). Perception and memory in chess. Heuristics of the professional eye. Assen: Van Gorcum. Contents Chapter 9; A discussion: Two authors, two different views?

• Gobet, F. (1993). Les mémoires d'un joueur d'échecs. Fribourg (Switzerland): Editions Universitaires. Contents (in French) Chapter 10: Conclusion

 

Articles

• Gobet, F. (in press). Expertise vs. talent. Talent Development and Excellence. pdf

• Campitelli, G. & Gobet, F. (2011). Deliberate practice: Necessary but not sufficient. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 20, 280-285. pdf  

• Chassy, P. & Gobet, F. (2011). A hypothesis about the biological basis of expert intuition. Review of General Psychology, 15, 198-212. pdf

• Chassy, P. & Gobet, F. (2010). Speed of expertise acquisition depends upon inherited factors. Talent Development and Excellence, 2, 17-27. pdf

• Campitelli, G. & Gobet, F. (2010). Herbert Simon’s decision-making approach: Investigation of cognitive processes in experts. Review of General Psychology, 14, 354-364. pdf

• Gobet. F. & Chassy, P. (2009). Expertise and intuition: A tale of three theories. Minds and Machines, 19, 151-180. Preprint  

• Bilalić, M., McLeod, P., & Gobet, F. (2008). Inflexibility of experts – Reality or myth? Quantifying the Einstellung effect in chess masters. Cognitive Psychology, 56, 73-102. Preprint

• Didierjean, A. & Gobet, F. (2008). Sherlock Holmes – An expert’s view of expertise. British Journal of Psychology, 99, 109-125. Preprint

• Gobet. F. & Chassy, P. (2008). Towards an alternative to Benner’s theory of expert intuition in nursing: A discussion paper. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 45, 129-139. Preprint

• Gobet. F. & Campitelli, G. (2007). The role of domain-specific practice,  handedness and starting age in chess. Developmental Psychology, 43, 159-172. Preprint

• Gobet, F., & Waters, A. J. (2003). The role of constraints in expert memory. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory & Cognition, 29, 1082–1094. Preprint

• Simon, H. A. & Gobet, F. (2000). Expertise effects in memory recall: A reply to Vicente and Wang. Psychological Review, 107, 593-600.Abstract Preprint

• Gobet, F. (1998). Expert memory: A comparison of four theories. Cognition , 66, 115-152.Abstract Preprint

• Gobet, F. & Simon, H. A. (2000). Five seconds or sixty? Presentation time in expert memory. Cognitive Science, 24, 651-682. Abstract html 

• Gobet, F. & Simon, H. A. (1996). Templates in Chess Memory: A Mechanism for Recalling Several Boards. Cognitive Psychology, 31, 1-40. Abstract

• Gobet, F. & Simon, H. A. (1996). The Roles of recognition processes and look-ahead search in time-constrained expert problem solving: Evidence from grandmaster level chess. Psychological Science, 7, 52-55. Abstract Preprint

 

All publications on expertise

Computational modelling

I believe that many theories in psychology are not expressed rigorously enough,  which means that they are not testable. The best way to avoid this problem is to express theories as mathematical or computational models, and I have used the latter extensively in my research. In addition to models of expert behaviour (see above) and acquisition of language (see below), I have also developed models of concept formation, knowledge representation in law, development and ageing. In particular with Peter Lane, I have also developed new methods for developing computer modelling. Most of my modelling works uses the CHREST (Chunk Hierarchy and REtrieval STructures) cognitive architecture, which I originally developed with Herbert Simon and now am extending with Peter Lane. CHREST started as a model of chess expertise, but has now been applied to a number of domains from language acquisition to diagrammatic reasoning. In a different line of research, I have also used evolutionary computation for automatically developing computational theories.

Main publications

                

Methodology

 

• Lane, P.C.R., & Gobet, F. (in press). A theory-driven testing methodology for developing scientific software. Journal of Experimental and Theoretical Artificial Intelligence. pdf

• Lane, P. C. R., & Gobet, F. (2007). Developing and evaluating cognitive architectures with behavioural tests. AAAI workshop on Evaluating Architectures for Intelligence.  pdf

• Frias-Martinez , E., & Gobet, F. (2007). Automatic generation of cognitive theories using genetic programming. Minds & Machines, 17, 287-309. pdf

• Gobet, F., & Parker, A. (2005). Evolving structure-function mappings in cognitive neuroscience using genetic programming. Swiss Journal of Psychology, 64, 231-239. Preprint

• Lane, P. C. R., & Gobet, F. (2003). Developing reproducible and comprehensible computational models. Artificial Intelligence, 144 , 251-263. Preprint

• Ritter, F. E., Shadbolt, N. R., Elliman, D., Young, R., Gobet, F., & Baxter, G. D. (2003). Techniques for modeling human performance in synthetic environments: A supplementary review. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH: Human Systems Information Analysis Center.

• Gobet, F., & Ritter, F. E. (2000). Individual data analysis and Unified Theories of Cognition: A methodological proposal. Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Cognitive Modelling, pp. 150-157. Veenendaal, The Netherlands: Universal Press. Abstract html

 

CHREST

 

• Gobet, F., & Lane, P. C. R. (2010). The CHREST architecture of cognition: The role of perception in general intelligence. In Baum, E., Hutter, M., & Kitzelmann, E. (Eds), Proceedings of the Third Conference on Artificial General Intelligence (pp. 7-12). Amsterdam: Atlantis Press. pdf

• Gobet, F. & Lane, P. (2005). The CHREST architecture of cognition: Listening to empirical data. In D. Davis (Ed.), Visions of mind: Architectures for cognition and affect. (pp. 204-224). Hershey, PA: Information Science Publishing .

• Gobet, F. (2001). Réseaux de discrimination en psychologie: L'exemple de CHREST. Swiss Journal of Psychology, 60, 264-277. Preprint

• Gobet, F., Lane, P. C. R., Croker, S., Cheng, P. C-H., Jones, G., Oliver, I. & Pine, J. M. (2001). Chunking mechanisms in human learning. TRENDS in Cognitive Sciences, 5, 236-243. Abstract pdf

• Gobet, F. (1996). Discrimination nets, production systems and semantic networks: Elements of a unified framework. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on the Learning Sciences. (pp. 398-403). Evanston Il: Northwestern University. Abstract html

 

 

All publications on the methodology of modelling

 

All publications on CHREST

 

Modelling the acquisition of syntactic categories

This research represents an attempt to model the child's acquisition of syntactic categories. The aim of the project is to build a distributional learning mechanism that is not only capable of constructing grammatical categories, but also of doing so in a way that is consistent with recent findings in the developmental literature on the sequencing of grammatical category acquisition. In addition, this project aims at studying extensions of Simon and Feigenbaum's EPAM model, such as production system and semantic network capacities, and at applying this framework to the study of cognitive development.

Modelling the acquisition of syntactic categories

 

• Freudenthal, D., Pine, J. M., & Gobet, F. (2010). Explaining quantitative variation in the rate of Optional Infinitive errors across languages: A comparison of MOSAIC and the Variational Learning Model. Journal of Child Language, 37, 643-669. pdf

• Freudenthal, D., Pine, J. M., & Gobet, F. (2009). Simulating the referential properties of Dutch, German and English Root Infinitives in MOSAIC. Language Learning and Development, 5, 1-29. Preprint

• Freudenthal, D., Pine, J. M., Javier Aguado-Orea, & Gobet, F. (2007). Modelling the developmental patterning of finiteness marking in English, Dutch, German and Spanish using MOSAIC. Cognitive Science, 31, 311-341.   Preprint

• Freudenthal, D., Pine, J. M., & Gobet, F. (2007). Understanding the developmental dynamics of subject omission: The role of processing limitations in learning. Journal of Child Language, 34, 83-110. Preprint

• Freudenthal, D., Pine, J. M., &  Gobet, F. (2005). Modelling the development of children's use of optional infinitives in English and Dutch using MOSAIC. Cognitive Science, 30, 277-310. Preprint

• Gobet, F., & Pine, J. (1997). Modeling the acquisition of syntactic categories. Proceedings of the 19th Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Science Society. Mawah, NJ: Erlbaum.

 

All publications on syntactic development

Modelling vocabulary acquisition

This research represents an attempt to model vocabulary acquisition in children. A computational model, based on Feigenbaum and Simon's EPAM theory of perception and learning, is being developed. The intention is to model both how new words are acquired and the relative distributions of categories of words acquired. In collaboration with Gary Jones and Julian Pine.

Modelling the acquisition of vocabulary

 

• Tamburelli, M., Jones, G., Gobet, F., & Pine, J. M. (in press). Computational modelling of phonological acquisition: Simulating error patterns in nonword repetition tasks. Language and Cognitive Processes. pdf 

• Jones, G., Tamburelli, M., Watson, S. E., Gobet, F., & Pine, J. M. (2010). Lexicality and frequency in Specific Language Impairment: Accuracy and error data from two non-word repetition tests. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 53, 1642-1655. pdf

• Jones, G., Gobet, F., & Pine, J. M. (2008). Computer simulations of developmental change: The contributions of working memory capacity and long-term knowledge. Cognitive Science, 32, 1148-1176. Preprint

• Jones, G., Gobet, F., & Pine, J. M. (2007). Linking working memory and long-term memory: A computational model of the learning of new words. Developmental Science,10, 853-873.  Preprint

 

            All publications on vocabulary development

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A computational model of learning to solve problems with diagrams

In collaboration with Peter Cheng and Peter Lane. This project aims to build a computational model of learning to solve problems with diagrams, and has three main goals:

1. Construct a model which learns internal representations based upon input perceptual patterns and output drawing actions. These representations will be used to drive a model of problem solving, e.g. taking the role of diagrammatic configuration schema.
2. Test the EPAM-chunking theory for expert memory in a domain where visual patterns can be used as plans for problem solving behaviour.
3. Provide a computer simulation of how human subjects learn to use AVOW diagrams.

A computational model to learn to solve problems with diagrams

·         Lane, P. C. R., Cheng, P. C-H. & Gobet, F. (2000). CHREST+: A simulation of how humans learn to solve problems using diagrams. AISB Quarterly, 103, 24-30. Abstract Preprint

·         Lane, P. C. R., Cheng, P. C-H. & Gobet, F. (1999). Learning perceptual schemas to avoid the utility problem. Proceedings of the Nineteenth SGES International Conference on Knowledge Based Systems and Applied Artificial Intelligence. Cambridge, UK. Abstract

 

Education

As a natural consequence of my interests in expertise and learning, I have also carried out research in education. Earlier in my career, I carried out investigations on programming in Logo, and later have also done some work on reading (in particular on reading in Thai). More recently, I have been interested in education and training in chess, and also in showing what chunking mechanisms can tell us about instruction methods.

 

Main publications

·         Gobet, F. (2005). Chunking models of expertise: Implications for education. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 19, 183–204. Preprint

·         Gobet, F. & Wood, D. J. (1999). Expertise, models of learning and computer-based tutoring. Computers and Education, 33, 189-207.Abstract pdf

 

            All publications on education

 

Individual differences

A somewhat different approach to the study of expertise has been to look at individual differences, mostly differences in intelligence and personality. Recently, with Philippe Chassy, we have identified the rather curious phenomenon that chess expertise shows a seasonality effect: on average, chess players tend to be born more often in late winter and early spring than non-chessplayers.

 

Main publications

• Bilalić, M., Smallbone, K., McLeod, P., & Gobet, F. (2009). Why are (the best) women so good at chess? Participation rates and gender differences in intellectual domains. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 276, 1161-1165. Preprint

• Bilalić, M., McLeod, P., & Gobet, F. (2007). Does chess need intelligence? A study with young chess players. Intelligence,  35, 457-470. Preprint

• Gobet. F. & Chassy, P. (2008). Season of birth and chess expertise. Journal of Biosocial Science, 40, 313-316. Preprint

• Gobet, F., Campitelli. G., & Waters, A. J. (2002). Rise of human intelligence: Comments on Howard (1999). Intelligence, 30, 303-311. Preprint

• Waters, A., Gobet, F., & Leyden, G. (2002). Visuo-spatial abilities in chess players. British Journal of Psychology, 30, 303-311. Preprint

 

            All publications on individual differences

 

Last modified: 04/05/2012