Neural Substrates for Conditioning

Bernard Balleine
UCLA

The neural basis of conditioning is a very large and complex issue. Here I will introduce two broad themes and a few related sub-themes. First, I will describe predictive learning, two theories of predictive learning, and current evidence for the involvement of an amygdala, midbrain and cortical network in establishing the relative validity of predictors. I will contrast this form of learning with that sub-serving goal-directed action, as opposed to conditioned reflexes, and how predictions of goal value based on actions and based on stimuli differ. Finally, I shall describe current theories of goal-directed learning and the neural basis of this form of learning.


Presentation (PDF File)

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