The Model of Hierarchical Complexity
We use the rationale and application of the Model of Hierarchical Complexity at the basis of all our work — mathematical formulation, developmental cognitive neuroscience, AI, and Robotics.
The Model of Hierarchical Complexity (MHC) is a formal theory and a mathematical psychology framework for scoring how complex a task is, and consequently assessing the complexity of the behavior that successfully solves that task. Tasks are measured by orders of complexity, whereas task-correspondent-behaviors are addressed as pertaining to the stage of development ranked by order of complexity. Developed by Michael Lamport Commons and colleagues at Harvard Medical School and Dare Association, it quantifies 17 stages of development, starting at calculatory stage 0.
There is a lot to learn about the MHC and how it quantifies and describes stages. Learn more here or contact us for detailed interest and information.
Cognitive Developmental Neuroscience & Model of Hierarchical Complexity
How do we know that the MHC actually mimics natural processes underlying intelligence? What is the biological substrate that appears to maximize the contribution of a limit to stage? Is there a neural signature underlying stages of complexity? What is the role of hierarchical growth in living systems? These questions guide our research in the domain of cognitive developmental neuroscience.
Artificial Intelligence & the Model of Hierarchical Complexity
Ants achieve stage 3. This is where AI is at the moment. The mask to this fact is that current energetic and computational resources are so strong and powerful, that data is handled in huge quantities, which clearly surpasses the activity of a human’s brain. AI is achieved by applying brute force, not through the elegance and economy typical of natural processes, such as hierarchical growth by measured orders of complexity.
Corvids achieve stage 4.
Elephants achieve stage 5.
Chimpanzees are the species that achieve the highest stage after humans, stage 8 or 9.
In adulthood, the highest stage humans usually achieve is between 10 and 11 (abstract and formal stages). But they can go up until stage 17 (metacrossparadigmatic).