Orienting response and detection of thalamic stimulation: mechanism of perceptual learning in the cat

Naive cats cannot use thalamic stimulation as a signal to perform a behavioral response when stimulus intensities are too weak to evoke orienting behavior. Responses are quickly learned at higher intensities of stimulation, and with continued training, the cats become able to response to the weaker, previously ineffective stimulus. This increase in sensitivity is not due to changes in tonic arousal and appears to be relatively specific to the stimulated nucleus. The procedures may be useful in exploring the neural mechanisms of perceptual learning.