A selectionist account of de novo action learning

How are novel actions generated and learned? We introduce a selectionist view of de novo action learning, and present some of the main postulates of such a view. This view contrasts with the notion that all actions are generated in response to particular stimuli and hence instructed by the world. It postulates that actions are generated in the actor (the organism) and selected by the environment (stimuli). Selection may occur iteratively until actions can be executed more rapidly and precisely, less variably, and eventually be elicited by particular stimuli. We also discuss experiments that support the particular predictions of this theory.

► The main postulates underlying a selectionist view of de novo action learning are discussed. ► Diverse neural activity patterns are generated in the brain, and dopamine is related to the generation of this diversity. ► Variability in neural activity decreases as actions are automatized; this is accompanied by plasticity in cortico-basal ganglia circuits. ► Automatization of actions renders performance of the action less dependent on the mechanisms of generation of variability. ► Training changes why actions are performed.