EndThoughts

The neural net model of brain processes may be "r//ecast as, and indeed are often calculated as, matrix algebraic operations//." Landauer & Dumais, p. 14)*


 * Each generation has a metaphor for human activity. Ours is the computer.** We speak of processing and processes; the brain is treated as a high level processor. We talk of neural nodes and social nodes, neural networks and social networks. Systems analysis is applied to every aspect of behavior.

LSA provides us with a mathematical model of neural networking in action, but brain capability is many hundred-fold greater than the processing power of computers.

__//*Note://__ A free software version of the program used to analyze large matrices by Landauer and Dumais is available from http://www.netlib.org/svdpack/index.html (see Berry 1992). University-affiliated researchers may obtain a research-only license and complete software to replicate Landauer & Dumais' work in LSA by contacting Susan Dumais at the Information Sciences Research Bellcore, Morristown, NJ 07960.