Associative and perceptual learning and the concept of memory systems.

Full Abstract

An introductory review is followed by some new experimental data and a final discussion. The primate temporal lobe contains multiple qualitatively distinct memory systems. The functional properties of these memory systems can be explained by reference to the nature of the afferent information which they process, rather than by reference to any putative specialization in memory processing. In this way, the plasticity of 'memory systems' in associative memory is probably similar in principle to the plasticity of 'perceptual systems' in perceptual learning. Therefore, it is important to consider the relationship between perceptual and associative learning. Two experiments investigated perceptual learning in the Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta). Substantial perceptual learning was observed both with complex scenes and with simple colours. Two hypotheses as to the basis of perceptual learning are discussed. A physiological hypothesis is that training with a particular set of stimuli expands the cortical representation of those stimuli. This can explain the effects in both experiments. A psychological hypothesis is that perceptual learning is produced by learned associations among multiple features of complex stimuli. This can explain the effects in Expt. 1 but not in Expt. 2. The psychological associative hypothesis is therefore redundant. Furthermore, associative learning can itself be viewed as an expansion of the cortical representation of a complex event. Thus, the distinction between perceptual and memory systems will need to be abandoned as deeper understanding of cortical plasticity is achieved.

Author information

Author/s: Gaffan, D (D);

Affiliation: Department of Experimental Psychology, Oxford University, UK. gaffan(-atsign-)psy.ox.ac.uk

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Brain research. Cognitive brain research (Brain Res Cogn Brain Res), published in NETHERLANDS. (Language: eng)

Reference: 1996-Dec; vol 5 (issue 1-2) : pp 69-80

Dates: Created 1997/05/29; Completed 1997/05/29; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 9049072, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article
(including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.