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Probability and rate of reinforcement in negative prediction error learning
David J Sanderson1, Joseph M Austen1, Anthony McGregor1
1Department of Psychology, Durham University.
Summary
Mice learn about reinforcement rate and probability, but reinforcement rate drives anticipatory responses. The probability of reinforcement influences responses at the expected reinforcement time, showing continuous learning.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral neuroscience
- Learning and memory
Background:
- Associative learning theories often focus on reinforcement probability per trial.
- However, learning is frequently influenced by reinforcement rate, suggesting temporal cue properties are crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of reinforcement probability per trial in appetitive Pavlovian conditioning in mice.
- To differentiate the effects of reinforcement rate versus probability on conditioned responding.
Main Methods:
- Four experiments involving appetitive Pavlovian conditioning in mice.
- Manipulation of reinforcement probability per trial while controlling reinforcement rate.
- Examination of acquisition, summation, overexpectation, extinction, and probe trials measuring post-CS responding.
Main Results:
- Reinforcement probability per trial did not significantly affect acquisition, summation, overexpectation, or extinction.
- Probe trials revealed that cues associated with 100% reinforcement elicited greater post-CS responding than those with 50% reinforcement.
- Summation trials also showed an effect of reinforcement probability.
Conclusions:
- Reinforcement rate primarily determines anticipatory responding during the conditioned stimulus (CS).
- Reinforcement probability influences responding at the expected time of reinforcement.
- Learning occurs continuously across experience duration and per episode, independent of duration.
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