Using Artificial Neural Networks to Simulate Social Category Learning: A Tutorial
Document Type
Journal Article
Role
Author
Journal Title
Social Cognition
Volume
43
Issue
3
First Page
152
Last Page
166
Publication Date
6-2025
Abstract
This tutorial introduces the use of connectionist (or artificial neural net-work) computational modeling to understand mechanisms for social psychological phenomena. We explain how modeling requires researchers to make explicit their assumptions and make concrete their operationalization for hypothesized mechanisms. The tutorial walks readers through the conceptual steps of how to design an artificial neural network based on Lei et al. (2020) and how to implement key theoretical assumptions.The tutorial is also accompanied by a detailed and commented technical guide available on the Open Science Framework. The model replicated key findings from past behavioral data and provides support for hypothesized theoretical assumptions. Implications for how and why researchers might incorporate modeling into their own research and theorizing are discussed
Repository Citation
Singh, S. E., Benton, D. T., & Lei, R. F. (2025). Using Artificial Neural Networks to Simulate Social Category Learning: A Tutorial. Social Cognition, 43(3), 152–166. https://doi.org/10.1521/soco.2025.43.3.152
