ABSTRACT
The long-term objective of this research is to elucidate the cellular basis of operant conditioning. The specific aim here is to define the functional unit in the brain for positive reinforcement. Does the individual brain cell itself have the capacity for operant conditioning, or must some larger organizational unit be identified? The phenomenon of positive reinforcement at the level of the whole animal is well established. If a response is closely and regularly followed by a reinforcing stimulus, that behavior is strengthened or its probability is increased. A behavioral response obviously reflects the activity of many neurons. Is it the integrated activity of these neurons that is reinforced—that is, is reinforcement exerted at the level of neuronal systems? Or is it the individual activities of the relevant neurons that is reinforced—that is, is reinforcement exerted at the cellular level (Klopf, 1982)?
