Thomas MW Leir

The brain’s ability to integrate distinct memories is critical for forming accurate predictions in unfamiliar situations. This process can be studied in the laboratory using a three-stage preconditioning task (Brogden, 1939). First, animals learn to associate two ‘neutral’ stimuli through a sequential presentation, such as a sound followed by a light. Next, the latter stimulus (for instance, the light) is followed by a motivationally meaningful experience, such as a fear-inducing foot shock.