Expanding a Standard Theory of Action Selection to Produce a More Complete Model of Cognition

A standard model of how brains produce natural cognition would provide a framework for organizing cognitive neuroscience research. A recent effort (Laird et al., in press) to build on consensus views of cognitive operations and produce a standard model of natural cognition started with common aspects of well-established cognitive architectures ACT-R, Sigma, and SOAR. The model captures scientific consensus on “how” the brain works, but it does not offer a coherent story for “why” the component modules (i.e., working memory, long-term memory, visual and motor areas) exist and interact in the ways described. This manuscript starts with background information on a well-cited theory of action selection, and extends that theory to a fuller explanation of decision-making, action and perception that includes a framework for the elements of cognition.