More models of the cerebellum

Neural models are needed at many levels, ranging from the biophysically based to connectionist abstractions. The adjustable pattern generator (APG) model of the cerebellum discussed in the target article by Houk, Buckingham, and Barto operates at an intermediate level and is constrained by a large body of anatomical and physiological data. The associative memory model originally proposed by Marr (1969) and Albus (1971) on the basis of the microcircuitry of the cerebellar cortex is still relevant today, although it needs to be coupled to the problem of motor pattern generation. In considering the problem of cerebellar learning, one needs some source of training information to adjust network performance so that it performs fruitful interactions with the environment; however, it is not true that this “teacher” needs to be particularly smart. We address these and other important issues raised by the commentators.