Characterizing the dynamic learning process: Implications of a quantitative analysis.
Behav Brain Res
; 463: 114915, 2024 04 12.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38368954
ABSTRACT
Understanding the neural mechanisms involved in learning processes is crucial for unraveling the complexities of behavior and cognition. Sudden change from the untrained level to the fully-learned level is a pivotal feature of instrumental learning. However, the concept of change point and suitable methods to conveniently analyze the characteristics of sudden change in groups remain elusive, which might hinder a fuller understanding of the neural mechanism underlying dynamic leaning process. In the current study, we investigated the learning processes of mice that were trained in an aversive instrumental learning task, and introduced a novel strategy to analyze behavioral variations in instrumental learning, leading to improved clarity on the concept of sudden change and enabling comprehensive group analysis. By applying this novel strategy, we examined the effects of cocaine and a cannabinoid receptor agonist on instrumental learning. Intriguingly, our analysis revealed significant differences in timing and occurrence of sudden changes that were previously overlooked using traditional analysis. Overall, our research advances understanding of behavioral variation during instrumental learning and the interplay between learning behaviors and neurotransmitter systems, contributing to a deeper comprehension of learning processes and informing future investigations and therapeutic interventions.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Conditioning, Operant
Limits:
Animals
Language:
En
Journal:
Behav Brain Res
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Country of publication: