A method of operant training to differentiate signals during a delay in providing reinforcement in primates

• Published in: Neuroscience and behavioral physiology 2001-07, Vol.31 (4), p.429-430
• Main Authors: Erofeev, A I, Aleksandrov, A Y, Belyaeva, G S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acoustic Stimulation; Animals; Behavior; Conditioning, Operant - physiology; decision-making; Food; Haplorhini; Microcomputers; Monkeys & apes; Motor Activity; Photic Stimulation; Physical Stimulation; Physiology; Primates; Psychology, Experimental - instrumentation; Reinforcement (Psychology)
• ISSN: 0097-0549; 1573-899X
• DOI: 10.1023/A:1010444830085

The immanent mechanisms of decision-taking represent a question of current interest in studies of higher nervous activity in humans and animals; at the behavioral level, decision-taking is manifest as a change or switching from one response to another. The conceptual basis for the methodological approach suggested here has three fundamental positions. The first is that of Keler, that non-verbal tests ("graphically presented situations") allows the intellect to be tested "to the very first years" both in humans and animals. The second position is the "physiology of activity" concept of Bernshtein, based on the principle of active perception of sensory signals in terms of the "model of future need" initially formed by the brain. Third is the need-information approach of Simonov, whereby emotional experience is the main determinant organizing behavioral acts and is also the main functional operator of the brain, with evaluative, switching, reinforcing, and compensatory functions.