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More varieties of Bayesian theories, but no enlightenment

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 August 2011

Jeffrey S. Bowers
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, University of Bristol, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1TU, United Kingdom. j.bowers@bris.ac.ukhttp://psychology.psy.bris.ac.uk/people/jeffbowers.htm
Colin J. Davis
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham Hill TW20 0EX, and School of Psychology, University of Bristol, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1TU, United Kingdom. c.davis@rhul.ac.ukhttp://www.pc.rhul.ac.uk/staff/c.davis/

Abstract

We argue that Bayesian models are best categorized as methodological or theoretical. That is, models are used as tools to constrain theories, with no commitment to the processes that mediate cognition, or models are intended to approximate the underlying algorithmic solutions. We argue that both approaches are flawed, and that the Enlightened Bayesian approach is unlikely to help.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2011

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References

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