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Classical statistical analysis in many empirical sciences has lagged behind modern trends in analytics for large-scale datasets. The authors discuss the influence of more variables, larger sample sizes, open data sources for analysis and assessment, and ‘black box’ prediction methods on the empirical sciences, and provide examples from imaging neuroscience.
Research on reinforcement learning in artificial agents focuses on a single complex problem within a static environment. In biological agents, research focuses on simple learning problems embedded in flexible, dynamic environments. The authors review the literature on these topics and suggest areas of synergy between them.
Deep neural networks have become very successful at certain machine learning tasks partly due to the widely adopted method of training called backpropagation. An alternative way to optimize neural networks is by using evolutionary algorithms, which, fuelled by the increase in computing power, offers a new range of capabilities and modes of learning.
