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Robert P Erickson

Professor Emeritus of Psychology: Experimental
Psychology & Neuroscience
Box 90086, Durham, NC 27708-0086
250 Soc-Psych, Durham, NC

Overview


My continuing interest has been in the representation of information by the nervous system. My general position was originally put forth in the 60s, a population approach related to present distributed function ideas. In recent publications the strong relationship of this approach to fuzzy logic has become evident, and fuzzy logic has strengthened the relevance of this approach to neural function.
In single neuron studies of taste and other sensory systems it is clear that information resides in ensembles of activity across neurons. Individual neurons per se do not have exactly specifiable functions but participate in various degrees in several functions, and various neural functions do not have exactly specifiable neural substrates but may involve the same or different neural populations to various degrees.
We are presently working on the mathematics of neural coding, such as the neural masses required, and the grades of participation of neurons in various codes (fuzzy sets).

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Professor Emeritus of Psychology: Experimental · 2000 - Present Psychology & Neuroscience, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences

Education, Training & Certifications


Brown University · 1958 Ph.D.