A computational model of the temporal dynamics of plasticity in procedural learning: Sensitivity to feedback timing

TitleA computational model of the temporal dynamics of plasticity in procedural learning: Sensitivity to feedback timing
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2014
AuthorsValentin, V. V., W Maddox T., & F Ashby G.
JournalFrontiers in Psychology
Volume5
Pagination643
Date Published2014
ISSN1664-1078
Abstract

The evidence is now good that different memory systems mediate the learning of different types of category structures. In particular, declarative memory dominates rule-based (RB) category learning and procedural memory dominates information-integration (II) category learning. For example, several studies have reported that feedback timing is critical for II category learning, but not for RB category learning-results that have broad support within the memory systems literature. Specifically, II category learning has been shown to be best with feedback delays of 500 ms compared to delays of 0 and 1000 ms, and highly impaired with delays of 2.5 s or longer. In contrast, RB learning is unaffected by any feedback delay up to 10 s. We propose a neurobiologically detailed theory of procedural learning that is sensitive to different feedback delays. The theory assumes that procedural learning is mediated by plasticity at cortical-striatal synapses that are modified by dopamine-mediated reinforcement learning. The model captures the time-course of the biochemical events in the striatum that cause synaptic plasticity, and thereby accounts for the empirical effects of various feedback delays on II category learning.

DOI10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00643
Alternate JournalFront Psychol
PubMed ID25071629
PubMed Central IDPMC4079082