An integrated computational model of the two phase theory of classical conditioning

According to Konorski´s two phase theory of conditioning the associative processes underlying classical conditioning can be separated into a fast valence driven nonspecific learning systems (NLS) and a slow specific learning system (SLS). The theory states that the NLS elicits a non-specific state of arousal and that the SLS is responsible for the exact elicitation of a coordinated motor response. Based on biological evidence we propose the amygdala, the basal forebrain and the auditory cortex as an example of NLS and the cerebellum for the SLS. The performance of the model was tested applying the eye-blink paradigm of classical conditioning. The unconditioned stimulus induced amygdala stimulation of the nucleus basalis elicits plasticity in the NLS. This leads to an increased representation if the conditioned stimulus in the cortex. The plasticity of the cerebellar SLS is regulated by these increased cortical representation coding the behavioral importance of the conditioned stimulus. Here we provide a complete account of Konorskis proposal by integrating these two systems into a complete biologically-grounded computational model of the two-phase theory of classical conditioning.