The Rescorla-Wagner model, prediction error, and fear learning

Abstract

The Rescorla-Wagner model remains one of the most important and influential theoretical accounts of the conditions under which Pavlovian learning occurs. Moreover, the experimental approaches that inspired the model continue to provide powerful behavioral tools to advance mechanistic understanding of how we and other animals learn to fear and learn to reduce fear. Here we consider key features of the Rescorla-Wagner model as applied to study of fear learning. We review evidence for key insights of the model. First, learning to fear and learning to reduce fear are governed by a common, signed prediction error. Second, this error drives variations in effectiveness of the shock US that are causal to whether and how much fear is learned or lost during a conditioning trial. We also consider behavioral and neural findings inconsistent with the model and which will be essential to understand and advance understanding of fear learning.