Topic: latent knowledge

Behavioral performance during goal-directed learning is typically measured in the presence of reinforcement. In this context, learning has been described as a slow process with high inter-subject variability. Exploration of the neural mechanisms, therefore, has focused on identifying dynamics concomitant with these slow performance improvements. Recent work, however, has shown that task acquisition is much faster and more stereotyped than previously thought1. Performance was evaluated daily in reinforced and non-reinforced (‘probe’) trials. These probe trials revealed a rapid and stereotyped a