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I think the creativity argument is bull. I would bet that the reason why there's a difference between the groups of diagrams is the depth of knowledge in neuro

I think the creativity argument is bull. I would bet that the reason why there's a difference between the groups of diagrams is the depth of knowledge in neurons. Undergrads, who I believe we can safely assume have less in depth knowledge of neurons, memorize the physical shape of neurons because their cursory knowledge of neurons. On the other hand, professors have a much more depth (and specialized) knowledge of neurons and therefore may not even know what the neuron as a whole looks like (you could probably get a few PhDs just by studying the signalling mechanism across the neuron membrane). I'm guessing this because for example Figure 22 looks suspiciously like a circuit diagram. For example, one wouldn't expect an EE/Physicist (the professors) who works on designing MOSFETs (neuron transmitters) to be able to draw a wiring diagram (neurons) that the MOSFETs would be used in, even though that EE/Physicist might be called a chip designer. Of course, a simpler answer is that professors are busier than undergrads so they just put less time and effort into drawing these diagrams. So Occam's Razor?

nhebb 13y ago
I didn't see it as creativity either. Professors who have probably had to draw a lot of neurons over the years have naturally developed a symbolic representation of the object, which is common in many fields.
Sharlin 13y ago
Of course, a simpler answer is that professors are busier than undergrads so they just put less time and effort into drawing these diagrams. So Occam's Razor? Yeah, an undergrad, even though this was not a formal exam, would probably feel the need to prove themselves by faithfully reproducing their concept of a neuron. Most professors probably just wouldn't give a damn.