A Model of Basal Ganglia Function, Inspired by the Songbird

old_uid12235
titleA Model of Basal Ganglia Function, Inspired by the Songbird
start_date2013/03/22
schedule11h30
onlineno
detailsINC Open Mind Seminar Series
summaryThe songbird is an excellent model system for understanding how the brain generates and learns complex sequential behaviors. Song acquisition is thought to proceed by reinforcement learning, and involves a basal ganglia (BG)-thalamocortical loop in which the cortical component drives exploratory vocalizations.  I will present a model of song learning in which the BG evaluates an efference copy of variability commands to detect and reinforce variations that lead to better song outcomes. This model has broad potential implications for mammalian BG function.
responsiblesJoelson