Mathematical Learning Theory

‘Mathematical learning theory’ usually refers to models of simple associative learning and memory. As an illustrative example, the phenomenon called ‘blocking of learning’ is described, along with an informal explanation. The explanation is formalized by the ‘Rescorla–Wagner model,’ and some of its predictions are derived. General theoretical issues for learning models are outlined; the models must specify what is learned (i.e., the representation or content of learning), how it is learned (i.e., the process by which the representation is established), and why it is learned (i.e., what is gained and at what cost by the learning). Future trends in learning theory are described.

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