Parallel distributed processing, also known as connectionism and neural networks, asserts that instead of being able to pin point an area in the brain where items are stored we can think of those items as being dispersed throughout specific sections of the brain (more specifically, the cerebral cortex) and connected through node. These nodes are inter-connectedly linked together through brain activity and form networks. These networks link cognitive processes together in neuron-like components. This means that instead of thinking of brain activity as happening one-step-at-a-time, we can instead begin to understand that these processes are happening simultaneously.
10 Links for further understanding:
http://penta.ufrgs.br/edu/telelab/3/paralled.htm
This link breaks down the components of connectionism.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjubRN6yL_g
Here is a simplistic visual of how the process works.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1wvhaF9lSw
This is just a cute little depiction of how connectionism works.
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/connectionism/
This article really elaborates on the process.
http://www.ucs.louisiana.edu/~isb9112/dept/phil341/wisconn.html
This article is more advanced and technical in its explanation of neural networks.
http://www.mind.ilstu.edu/curriculum/modOverview.php?modGUI=76
This article is helpful in that it is multiple articles in one truly highlighting the entire process.
http://www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/connectionism.html
This one explains Thorndike's role and views.
http://cogprints.org/649/1/cogsy90.htm
This one talks about the appropriateness of the theory and its limitations.
http://www.doc.ic.ac.uk/~nd/surprise_96/journal/vol4/cs11/report.html
This website discusses exactly what a neural network is.
http://www.education.com/reference/article/connectionism/
This article talks about how connectionism relates to learning.
This page was developed by Nicole Iwule