Varieties of learning and memory in animals.

A consistent theoretical approach to the whole range of learning phenomena is explored, and parallels and contrasts in the study of sensory systems illustrate one way to integrate theStudy of general mechanisms with an appreciation of species-specific adaptations.

Abstract

It is often assumed that there is more than one kind of learning--or more than one memory system--each of which is specialized for a different function. Yet, the criteria by which the varieties of learning and memory should be distinguished are seldom clear. Learning and memory phenomena can differ from one another across species or situations (and thus be specialized) in a number of different ways. What is needed is a consistent theoretical approach to the whole range of learning phenomena, and one is explored here. Parallels and contrasts in the study of sensory systems illustrate one way to integrate the study of general mechanisms with an appreciation of species-specific adaptations.