The contribution of the amygdala to reward-related learning and extinction

Rose Chesworth, Laura Corbit

Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperChapter

Abstract

There has been substantial research into the role of the amygdala in fear conditioning and extinction of conditioned fear. The role of the amygdala in appetitive conditioning is relatively less explored. Here, we will review research into the role of the amygdala in reward‐related learning. Research to date suggests that the basolateral and central amygdala are responsible for learning about distinct aspects of a reinforcing event. For example, the basolateral amygdala is essential for distinguishing and choosing between specific rewards based on the specific‐sensory properties of those rewards as well as updating the relative value of specific rewarding events. In contrast, the central amygdala is involved in encoding reinforcement more generally and for regulating motivational influences on responding. We will also review what is known about the role of the amygdala in extinction of reward‐related behaviours and highlight areas for future research.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Amygdala: Where Emotions Shape Perception, Learning and Memories
EditorsBarbara Ferry
Place of PublicationCroatia
PublisherInTech
Pages305-325
Number of pages21
ISBN (Electronic)9789535132509
ISBN (Print)9789535132493
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017

Open Access - Access Right Statement

© 2017 The Author(s). Licensee InTech. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Keywords

  • amygdaloid body
  • conditioning (psychology)
  • learning, psychology of
  • reward (psychology)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The contribution of the amygdala to reward-related learning and extinction'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this