A SEQUENCE PREDICTING CA3 IS A FLEXIBLE ASSOCIATOR THAT LEARNS AND USES CONTEXT TO SOLVE HIPPOCAMPAL-LIKE TASKS

The model discussed in this paper is, by hypothesis, a minimal, biolog ical plausible model of hippocampal region CA3. Because cognitive mapp ing can be viewed as a sequence prediction problem, we qualify this mo del as a successful sequence predictor. Since the model solves problem s which, at least one, requires a hippocampus. Thus, by solving sequen ce problems, by solving configural learning problems, and by creating codes for context, this model provides a computational unification of hippocampal functions which are often viewed as disparate. (C) 1997 Wi ley-Liss, Inc.