Convergence of the integration dynamics of the construction-integration model

The connectionist network corresponding to the nonlinear integration dynami cal system associated with Kintsch's a construction-integration (CI) model is analysed with linear algebra tools. This addresses some theoretical ques tions raised and left unanswered by Rodenhausen (1992, Psychological Review 99, 547-549). A mathematical characterization for equilibrium points, whic h allows an a priori enumeration of all possible asymptotic slates for the integration dynamical system, given a connectivity matrix, is given. Thr dy namics of convergence of the integration dynamical system is characterized in some detail as well. This provides a tool For understanding CI simulatio ns and helps in particular to let us know to what extent the outcome will d epend on the initial conditions. The criteria also provide a neu mathematic al analysis which allows for the explicit calculation of asymptotic states of tile integration process without requiring computer simulation experimen ts. The new mathematical analysis should facilitate comparisons of the mode ls predictions with behavioural data. (C) 2001 Academic Press.