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Cited by 90Memory and Neural MechanismsNeural and Behavioral Psychology StudiesNeurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior

The conditions that promote fear learning: Prediction error and Pavlovian fear conditioning

Li, Susan Shi Yuan, McNally, Gavan P.·2014·Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
DOI 10.1016/j.nlm.2013.05.002
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Abstract

A key insight of associative learning theory is that learning depends on the actions of prediction error: a discrepancy between the actual and expected outcomes of a conditioning trial. When positive, such error causes increments in associative strength and, when negative, such error causes decrements in associative strength. Prediction error can act directly on fear learning by determining the effectiveness of the aversive unconditioned stimulus or indirectly by determining the effectiveness, or associability, of the conditioned stimulus. Evidence from a variety of experimental preparations in human and non-human animals suggest that discrete neural circuits code for these actions of prediction error during fear learning. Here we review the circuits and brain regions contributing to the neural coding of prediction error during fear learning and highlight areas of research (safety learning, extinction, and reconsolidation) that may profit from this approach to understanding learning.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.nlm.2013.05.002

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86 of 86 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • Experiencing large prediction errors leads to learning over time.

    “Available evidence indicates that experiencing large PEs leads to learning over time15,16.”

    From Boundary effects of expectation in human pain perception (2019) · cites this paper as [15]

  • Experiencing PEs could, over time, change participants' association between the cue and the pain outcome.

    “Furthermore, experiencing PEs could, over time, change participant’s association between the cue and the pain outcome15,16,29.”

    From Boundary effects of expectation in human pain perception (2019) · cites this paper as [15]

  • Sensitivity to painful stimulation can vary over time.

    “Our interest in how perception changes across the experimental session was motivated by the observation that sensitivity to painful stimulation can vary over time15,16,28,29.”

    From Boundary effects of expectation in human pain perception (2019) · cites this paper as [15]

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Authors
Li, S. S. Y., & McNally, G. P.
Affiliations
UNSW Sydney (AU)
Corresponding author
McNally, Gavan P.
ORCID
McNally, Gavan P.
Venue
Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2014-02
Volume
108
Pages
14-21
ISSN
1074-7427 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.nlm.2013.05.002
OpenAlex
W2075964924
Cited by
89
References
85
Citations by year
2026: 6 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 7 · 2022: 8 · 2021: 5 · 2020: 5 · 2019: 8 · 2018: 8 · 2017: 8 · 2016: 9 · 2015: 9 · 2014: 3 · 2013: 1
FWCI
0.62
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Neurobiology of Learning and Memory (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory and Neural Mechanisms
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural and Behavioral Psychology Studies
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior
Keywords
prediction error, fear learning, fear conditioning, associative learning, associative strength, neural circuits, safety learning, fear extinction, fear reconsolidation
MeSH terms
Animals, Brain, Conditioning, Classical, Fear, Humans, Learning, Memory

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