Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026
07:05
Operant Protocols for Assessing the Cost-benefit Analysis During Reinforced Decision Making by Rodents
Published on: September 10, 2018
6.6K
Computational framework explains how animals select actions with rewarding outcomes.
1Freelance Science Writer, Carbondale, Colorado, United States of America.
Plos Biology
|January 7, 2015
Summary
A new brain model highlights the striatum's role in learning from rewards. This research replicates data and sparks new questions about neurological disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Computational Neuroscience
- Behavioral Neuroscience
Background:
- The striatum is crucial for reward-based learning.
- Existing models do not fully capture striatal function in behavior acquisition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel computational model of the striatum.
- To explain how the brain learns beneficial behaviors from rewarding outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Development of a new computational model.
- Simulation and analysis of model behavior.
- Comparison of model predictions with experimental data.
Main Results:
- The model successfully replicates key experimental findings on reward learning.
- The model emphasizes the critical role of the striatum in this process.
Conclusions:
- The proposed model offers a new framework for understanding striatal function in learning.
- This work opens avenues for investigating neurological disorders associated with striatal dysfunction.
Related Concept Videos
01:06Law of Effect
6.0K
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...
Edward Thorndike's foundational work involved studying learning in animals, particularly using puzzle...
6.0K
01:08Timing and Consequences on Behavior
797
In operant conditioning, the timing of reinforcement is crucial. For animals like rats and cats, immediate reinforcement (within a few seconds) is much more effective than delayed reinforcement. For example, a food reward for a rat needs to follow within 30 seconds of pressing a bar to be effective.
Humans, however, can respond to delayed reinforcers. We often make decisions between immediate small rewards and delayed larger rewards. This ability to delay gratification is a significant...
Humans, however, can respond to delayed reinforcers. We often make decisions between immediate small rewards and delayed larger rewards. This ability to delay gratification is a significant...
797
01:23Reinforcement
1.2K
Positive and negative reinforcement are key concepts in operant conditioning, a learning process where the consequences of a behavior affect the likelihood of that behavior being repeated.
Positive reinforcement occurs when a behavior is followed by the presentation of a rewarding stimulus, increasing the frequency of that behavior. For example:
Positive reinforcement occurs when a behavior is followed by the presentation of a rewarding stimulus, increasing the frequency of that behavior. For example:
1.2K
01:21Operant Conditioning
3.5K
Operant conditioning, a key concept in behavioral psychology, involves using reinforcement and punishment to alter the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. B.F. introduced this type of conditioning. Skinner focused on voluntary behaviors and the consequences that follow them, influencing whether these behaviors will be strengthened or diminished.
Reinforcement in operant conditioning can be positive or negative, both of which serve to increase the likelihood of a behavior. Positive...
Reinforcement in operant conditioning can be positive or negative, both of which serve to increase the likelihood of a behavior. Positive...
3.5K
01:20Decision Making
1.3K
Decision-making is a fundamental cognitive process that involves evaluating alternatives and selecting among them. This process can range from simple choices, such as deciding what to wear, to complex decisions, like choosing a major in college or a career path. The complexity of the decision often dictates the approach we use, which can be broadly categorized into two types: automatic and controlled decision-making.
Automatic decision-making is fast, intuitive, and relies on gut feelings...
Automatic decision-making is fast, intuitive, and relies on gut feelings...
1.3K
01:28Behaviorism
8.3K
The field of behaviorism was pioneered by figures such as Ivan Pavlov, John B. Watson, and B.F. Skinner fundamentally shifted the focus of psychology to the observable and controllable aspects of human and animal behavior. This shift marked a critical evolution in the discipline, emphasizing scientific rigor and experimental methodology.
The core premise of behaviorism is its focus on observable behavior rather than internal thoughts or feelings. This approach argues that true scientific...
The core premise of behaviorism is its focus on observable behavior rather than internal thoughts or feelings. This approach argues that true scientific...
8.3K