Memory facilitation by posttrial hypothalamic stimulation and other reinforcers: A central theory of reinforcement

Abstract

A central theory of reinforcement is presented, which is based on the assumption that reinforcers act directly on dynamic memory processes. One prediction from the model is that learning of various tasks should be improved as a result of reinforcement presented during the period of short-term memory. To test this hypothesis the reinforcers food, water or electrical stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus were presented posttrial in diverse learning situations. Posttrial food reinforcement facilitated passive avoidance learning in mice. In rats 30 sec of posttrial reinforcing brain stimulation facilitated learning of a shuttle-box avoidance, step-down avoidance, and small box avoidance. Appetitive T-maze learning was improved with posttrial reinforcing brain stimulation contingent on errors. Learning of a conditioned taste aversion was not influenced by reinforcing brain stimulation presented during the CS - UCS interval.