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Updated: Oct 21, 2026

Whisker-signaled Eyeblink Classical Conditioning in Head-fixed Mice
Published on: March 30, 2016
Are there two classes of classically-conditioned responses?
Abstract:
It is proposed that two response classes interact during classical conditioning: (1) a specific effect which directs responding towards or away from the CS, depending upon whether a positive or negative outcome is signaled, and (2) a general, emotional effect which interferes with responding. The interaction between these two response classes can account for the varied results obtained under CER and autoshaping procedures, and must be considered in any analysis which attempts to account for the complex nature of the conditioned response.
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