The World Graph theory developed the hypothesis that cognitive and motivational states interact. This paper describes NeWG, a hybrid neural network implementation of this theory as well as a modeling environment for the investigation of motivated spatial behavior. NeWG comprises a modified Fuzzy ART network, the START network, which incorporates the world graph properties to produce goal-oriented behavior. Neurophysiological data are then used to support a model of the rat’s cognitive map encoded as an internal world graph
cognitive maps; world graph; navigation; motivation; mazes; ART Networks