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A History and Overview of the Behavioral Neuroscience of Learning and Memory

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Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences

Abstract

Here, I provide a basic history of important milestones in the development of theories for how the brain accomplishes the phenomenon of learning and memory. Included are the ideas of Plato, René Descartes, Théodule Ribot, William James, Ivan Pavlov, John Watson, Karl Lashley, and others. The modern era of learning and memory research begins with the description of H.M. by Brenda Milner and the gradual discovery that the brain contains multiple learning and memory systems that are supported by anatomically discrete brain structures. Finally, a brief overview is provided for the chapters that are included in current topics in Behavioral Neuroscience—Learning and Memory.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA

    Robert E. Clark

  2. Department of Psychiatry, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92093, USA

    Robert E. Clark

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  1. Robert E. Clark
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Correspondence to Robert E. Clark .

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Clark, R.E. (2018). A History and Overview of the Behavioral Neuroscience of Learning and Memory. In: Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/7854_2017_37

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/7854_2017_37

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