Cognitive Modeling: Theory, Methods and Applications

Dear Colleagues,

The computational modeling of human cognition has emerged as a transformative approach to understanding the complex mechanisms underlying human thought, learning, and behavior. This Special Issue will compile innovative research that bridges theoretical cognitive science with practical applications, focusing on the development, validation, and implementation of cognitive models across diverse domains. As artificial intelligence and machine learning continue to advance, there is an unprecedented opportunity to create more sophisticated and psychologically plausible models of human cognitive processes.

This Special Issue seeks to explore the intersection of cognitive theory, computational methods, and real-world applications, with a particular emphasis on neural network-based approaches, validation methodologies, and applications in educational and clinical settings. The collection will showcase innovative research that not only advances our theoretical understanding of cognition but also demonstrates practical utility in addressing contemporary challenges in education, assessment, and cognitive intervention.

This Special Issue welcomes contributions from researchers working at the intersection of cognitive science, computational modeling, and applied psychology. Its scope includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

Neural Network-Based Cognitive Modeling:
Deep learning architectures for cognitive simulation and prediction.
Biologically inspired neural networks for cognitive process modeling.
Connectionist approaches to memory, attention, and decision-making.
Hybrid models combining symbolic and connectionist approaches.

Model Development and Validation:
Methodological frameworks for cognitive model validation.
Cross-validation techniques and reliability assessment in cognitive modeling.
Comparative analysis of different modeling approaches.
Reproducibility and open science practices in computational cognitive science.

Educational Applications and Assessment:
Adaptive learning systems based on cognitive modeling.
Intelligent tutoring systems and personalized education.
Game-based assessment and cognitive evaluation.
Learning Difficulties and Attention Disorders:
Cognitive models of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Computational approaches to learning disability assessment.
Neurodevelopmental disorder modeling and intervention.
Individual differences in cognitive processing and learning.
Synthetic Data Generation and Simulation:
Generative models for cognitive and behavioral data.
Simulation-based approaches to cognitive research.
Data augmentation techniques for cognitive modeling.

Case Studies and Applied Research:
Real-world applications of cognitive modeling in clinical settings.
Educational case studies using cognitive assessment tools.
Workplace applications of cognitive modeling.
Cross-cultural validation of cognitive models.

Methodological Focus
We particularly encourage submissions that demonstrate rigorous methodological approaches to cognitive modeling, including:
•    Novel architectures and algorithms for cognitive simulation;
•    Validation frameworks that establish model reliability and generalizability;
•    The integration of multiple data sources and modalities;
•    Longitudinal studies tracking cognitive model performance;
•    Meta-analytic approaches to cognitive modeling research.

Dr. Bertalan Forstner
Dr. Luca Szegletes
Prof. Dr. Ah-Lian Kor
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• neural networks
• cognitive modeling
• machine learning
• educational assessment
• ADHD
• learning difficulties
• synthetic data generation
• model validation
• adaptive learning
• psychometric modeling
• attention disorders
• computational psychology
• artificial intelligence
• cognitive simulation
• educational technology
• case studies
• biofeedback
• item response theory
• cognitive abilities
• individual differences