Download Organization of Behavior

Behavioral Hierarchy
Reflexes
predictable, stereotyped response to stimulus
graded responses
involve relatively few neurons
circuits (reflex arcs) localized in "segmental" regions (spinal cord, brainstem)
Simple rhythmic behaviors
respiration, locomotion, chewing, etc.
circuits (central pattern generators) localized in "segmental" regions (spinal cord, brainstem)
Kineses
change in rate of movement
act on central pattern generators
changes in activity in brainstem "command" circuits of vertebrates
+ or -,
e.g. insects slow down in warm, moist places
Taxes
oriented change in movement
act on central pattern generators
changes in activity in brainstem "command" circuits directed by sensory input
+ or klinotaxis (single receptor compares stimulus over time)
tropotaxis (paired receptors--simultaneous comparison)
telotaxis (toward a goal--e.g. swim toward shore)
not well studied in vertebrates
Species-typical behavior, or fixed action patterns
complex sequences of behavior
common to all members of a species
require minimal learning--often referred to as instinctive or innate
e.g. courtship behaviors, aggressive displays, nest-building, maternal behavior, etc.
focus has been on "releasing stimuli" rather than on organization of behavior itself
neural mechanisms not clear, but must include some subcortical forebrain
Motivated behaviors
goal directed
response to physiologically meaningful stimulus
terminated by consummatory response
approach (+) or withdraw (-)
Learned (may be same as motivated)
Non-associative
habituation
sensitization
Associative
Classical or Pavovian conditioning
Operant conditioning or instrumental learning
Latent learning
learning by observation (vicarious learning)
learning by performance without reward