Activity questions After you have read the section 'Estimating Magnitude' (Chapter 1 or in Appendix): 1. What is the purpose of magnitude estimation? 2. Describe the procedure for a magnitude estimation experiment for estimating the relationship between a stimulus (line length) and perception. 3. What is a power function? What does the exponent of a power function indicate about how perceived magnitude increases with stimulus intensity? How is this related to how the senses are adapted to the environment? 4. In Steven's Power Law P = (K)Sn. Imagine K = 1, calculate P when S = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, and n = 3. What is the relationship between P and S? Is it linear? Does this demonstrate response compression or response expansion? Once again, make sure you answer using your own words. Do not quote from the text. Do not copy from the text. Your answer should be around 300-400 words. Discussion board questions This week, we are discussing and assessing a theory of how vision works: the information processing model or computational theory of the mind. This theory conceives of minds as software and brains as hardware. In other words, it says that the brain takes in information from the outside world through receptors, processes that information according to some program or algorithm, and the result is an output: some behavior, perception, or cognition. If this is how the mind works, then it would suggest that artificial intelligence (AI) is possible. We can create computers that can think and perceive as we think and perceive. However, philosopher of mind John Searle has famously argued in his Chinese Room argument against what is called strong AI (as opposed to weak AI). No computer, Searle argues, will ever be able to perceive or experience the world as human beings do. He discusses this with AI engineer Igor Aleksander on the radio show on artificial intelligence we are listening to this week. They have quite different views on the future of artificial intelligence. First: What is the information processing theory or the computational theory of how the mind works? (Hint: Look at the Palmer chapter in Course Materials, listen to the radio show, and watch the videos) Second: What do Dr. Hoffman and Dr. Brooks think about the computational theory of mind (see the YouTube videos under Course Material)? Do they think it can explain everything about how the mind works? If not, what can it not explain? Third: Compare and contrast Searle's and Aleksander's opinion in the BBC Radio 4 show. Who do you find yourself agreeing with? Why? Fourth: What is meant by weak AI and strong AI? Do you think strong AI is possible? Why? Why not? Make sure you refer to the material covered in class this week in your answers to these questions. Important: You must have done the reading, engaged with the material, and researched this subject before you answer. Your original post (excluding your responses to classmates) should be around 500 words (again, that is roughly 2 sides, double-space, 12 pt. Times New Roman on Microsoft Word). Do not post a word document, but make sure you post in the space provided.