Project description
A neuro-computational look at communication skills
Verbal communication (effective speaking) and non-verbal communication (facial expressions and body language) are important skills that are learned and can be mastered. The ERC-funded NeuroCompSkill project will investigate why some people acquire expertise with practice whereas others fail to master these skills. It will approach this question using a neuro computational framework, focusing on individual ability of using task-relevant regularities. The project’s working hypothesis is that efficient use of such regularities is crucial for acquiring expertise. For instance, it proposes that using stable temporal regularities acquired across long time windows is crucial for the formation of linguistic (phonological, morphological and orthographic) skills. The findings will shed light on skill acquisition and the difficulties in developmental communication disorders.
Objective
Why do most people acquire expertise with practice whereas others fail to master the same tasks? NeuroCompSkill offers a neuro-computational framework that explains failure in acquiring verbal and non-verbal communication skills. It focuses on individual ability of using task-relevant regularities, postulating that efficient use of such regularities is crucial for acquiring expertise. Specifically, it proposes that using stable temporal regularities, acquired across long time windows (> 3 sec to days) is crucial for the formation of linguistic (phonological, morphological and orthographic) skills. In contrast, fast updating of recent events (within ~ .3- 3 sec), is crucial for the formation of predictions in interactive, social communication. Based on this, I propose that individuals with difficulties in retaining regularities will have difficulties in verbal communication, whereas individuals with difficulties in fast updating will have difficulties in social non-verbal communications. Five inter-related work packages (WP) will test the predictions that: (WP1) behaviourally – individuals with language and reading difficulties will have impoverished categorical representations, whereas individuals with non-verbal difficulties will be slow in adapting to changed statistics. (WP2) developmentally – poor detection of relevant regularities will be an early marker of related difficulties. (WP3) computationally – profiles of impaired inference will match the predicted time window. (WP4) neuronally – dynamics of neural adaptation will match the dynamics of behavioural inference. (WP5) structurally – different brain structures will be associated with the different time windows of inference. NeuroCompSkill is ground-breaking in proposing a unifying, theory based, testable principle, which explains core difficulties in two prevalent developmental communication disorders. Its 5 WPs will lay the foundations of a comprehensive approach to failure in skill acquisition.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
ERC-ADG - Advanced Grant
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2018-ADG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
91904 JERUSALEM
Israel
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.