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Abstract: The emerging
field of Evolutionary Computation (EC), inspired by neo-Darwinian
principles (e.g., natural selection, mutation, etc.),
offers developmental psychologists a wide array of mathematical
tools for simulating ontogenetic processes. In this brief
review, I begin by highlighting three of the approaches
that EC researchers employ (Artificial Life, evolutionary
robotics, and comparative stochastic optimization). I
then focus on the advantages of using comparative stochastic
optimization as a method for studying development. As
a concrete example, I illustrate the design and implementation
of an EC model that simulates the development of reaching
in young infants.
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