Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026
11:17
Extinction Training During the Reconsolidation Window Prevents Recovery of Fear
Published on: August 24, 2012
Extinction reveals that primary sensory cortex predicts reinforcement outcome
Kasia M Bieszczad1, Norman M Weinberger
1Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-3800, USA.
The European Journal of Neuroscience
|February 7, 2012
Summary
Primary auditory cortex (A1) plasticity reflects a sound's predictive value for rewards. Area gains reverse when reinforcement is withdrawn, demonstrating that A1 encodes behavioral importance based on reinforcement prediction.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Auditory Cortex Plasticity
- Behavioral Importance
Background:
- Primary sensory cortices traditionally act as stimulus analyzers.
- Associative learning induces plasticity in the primary auditory cortex (A1), linking it to cognitive functions like learning and memory.
- Auditory memory strength correlates with expanded tone representation areas in A1, proportional to behavioral importance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if "behavioral importance" in A1 plasticity specifically relates to a sound's ability to predict reinforcement (reward/punishment).
- To determine if extinction protocols reverse A1 area gains when a signal no longer predicts reinforcement.
Main Methods:
- Rats (n=11) were trained to associate a signal tone (5.0 kHz) with water rewards, inducing signal-specific area gains in A1.
- After reward withdrawal (extinction), A1 was mapped to assess representational areas.
- Signal-specific area gains were quantified using a brain-behavior function.
Main Results:
- Signal-specific area gains in A1 were reversed following reward withdrawal, supporting the "reinforcement prediction" hypothesis.
- Area loss was specific to the signal tone, not general test tones, indicating reinforcement withdrawal as the cause.
- The extent of area loss correlated significantly with the amount of extinction (r = 0.82, P < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Primary sensory cortical representations encode behavioral importance as a signal's value in predicting reinforcement.
- The number of cells tuned to a stimulus influences its capacity to command behavior.
- A1 plasticity dynamically adjusts based on the predictive value of auditory signals for reinforcement.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Generalization, Discrimination, and Extinction
Generalization, discrimination, and extinction are key concepts in operant conditioning that influence how behaviors are learned and maintained.
Generalization occurs when a behavior reinforced in one context is performed in similar situations. For instance, a student who studies diligently for calculus and receives excellent grades might apply the same study habits to psychology and history, expecting similar results. Generalization shows how learning in one setting can influence behavior in...
Generalization occurs when a behavior reinforced in one context is performed in similar situations. For instance, a student who studies diligently for calculus and receives excellent grades might apply the same study habits to psychology and history, expecting similar results. Generalization shows how learning in one setting can influence behavior in...
01:23Primary and Secondary Reinforcers
In psychology, reinforcement is a key concept in behavior modification. B.F. Skinner demonstrated this with his experiments involving rats in what is known as a Skinner box. The rats learned to press a lever to receive food, a primary reinforcer that fulfilled their innate need for nourishment.
Effective reinforcers for humans vary depending on the individual and the context. Primary reinforcers, such as food, water, sleep, shelter, and pleasure, have inherent value and satisfy basic biological...
Effective reinforcers for humans vary depending on the individual and the context. Primary reinforcers, such as food, water, sleep, shelter, and pleasure, have inherent value and satisfy basic biological...
01:23Principles of Classical Conditioning
Classical conditioning, as described by Ivan Pavlov, is a foundational concept in associative learning, where a neutral stimulus becomes capable of eliciting a conditioned response through association with an unconditioned stimulus. The process of acquisition, where this learning occurs, and the subsequent phenomena of contiguity, contingency, generalization, discrimination, extinction, and spontaneous recovery are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of classical conditioning.
During the...
During the...
01:06Law of Effect
B.F. Skinner, a prominent figure in behavioral psychology, introduced operant conditioning by emphasizing the role of consequences in shaping behavior. This theory builds upon the law of effect proposed by Edward Thorndike, which posits that behaviors followed by satisfying outcomes are likely to be repeated. In contrast, those followed by unsatisfying outcomes are less likely to recur.
Edward Thorndike's foundational work involved studying learning in animals, particularly using puzzle boxes...
Edward Thorndike's foundational work involved studying learning in animals, particularly using puzzle boxes...
01:14Motor and Sensory Areas of the Cortex
The cerebral cortex, the brain's outermost layer, is pivotal in processing complex cognitive tasks, emotions, and various sensory inputs and executing voluntary motor activities. This intricate structure is divided into three primary functional areas: the motor areas, sensory areas, and association areas.
Motor Areas
The motor areas located in the frontal lobe are central to controlling voluntary movements. This region is further subdivided into the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex.
Motor Areas
The motor areas located in the frontal lobe are central to controlling voluntary movements. This region is further subdivided into the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex.
01:15Real-World Application of Classical Conditioning
Classical conditioning not only includes the initial pairing of stimuli but also extends to more complex forms, such as higher-order conditioning. Higher-order conditioning involves creating associations beyond the primary conditioned stimulus, resulting in a chain of conditioned responses.
Higher-order, or second-order, conditioning occurs when a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an already established conditioned stimulus through repeated pairings. For instance, if a dog has been...
Higher-order, or second-order, conditioning occurs when a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an already established conditioned stimulus through repeated pairings. For instance, if a dog has been...