connectionism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Academic, Technical (Psychology, Cognitive Science, AI)
Quick answer
What does “connectionism” mean?
An approach in cognitive science that models mental processes using networks of simple, interconnected units, analogous to neurons in the brain.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An approach in cognitive science that models mental processes using networks of simple, interconnected units, analogous to neurons in the brain.
In psychology, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence, it is the theoretical perspective that emphasizes the role of distributed, parallel processing and associative connections in explaining learning, memory, and cognition. It contrasts with classical symbolic or computational theories of mind.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant orthographic or semantic differences. Standard pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical across both varieties: purely academic/technical.
Frequency
Equally low frequency and confined to specialised academic discourse in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “connectionism” in a Sentence
Connectionism is based on...The central tenet of connectionism is that...Connectionism posits/argues/views cognition as...The connectionist model suggests...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “connectionism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The researcher sought to connectionise the model, though this verb is non-standard.
American English
- The team aimed to connectionize cognitive processes, a rare and informal derivation.
adverb
British English
- The system was designed connectionistically, with layers of simple nodes.
American English
- They modelled the data connectionistically, focusing on emergent properties.
adjective
British English
- His connectionist perspective challenged the classical view.
American English
- The connectionist framework provides a powerful alternative.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Primary context. Used in psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, and AI research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core technical term within relevant fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “connectionism”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “connectionism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “connectionism”
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a connectionism').
- Confusing it with general 'connectivity' or social networking.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Connectionism is the broader theoretical framework; artificial neural networks are a primary modelling tool used within that framework.
Key figures include David Rumelhart, James McClelland (PDP Group), and Geoffrey Hinton in its modern revival.
This is a major debate. Proponents argue yes, through emergent properties of networks. Critics argue it struggles with systematic, rule-based thought.
Connectionism is inspired by the brain's neural architecture, but it is a simplified, abstract model, not a literal biological description.
An approach in cognitive science that models mental processes using networks of simple, interconnected units, analogous to neurons in the brain.
Connectionism is usually academic, technical (psychology, cognitive science, ai) in register.
Connectionism: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈnɛk.ʃən.ɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈnɛk.ʃən.ɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a net of CONNECTIONS forming the 'ism' (theory) of the mind.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MIND IS A NETWORK / COGNITION IS SIGNAL PROPAGATION THROUGH A WEB.
Practice
Quiz
Connectionism is most directly contrasted with which other theoretical approach?