Multiple memory systems, development and conditioning

A century of behavioral and neurobiological research suggests that Pavlovia n conditioning involves three component memory systems: sensorimotor, affec tive and cognitive. In classical eyeblink conditioning, there is evidence t hat these three memory systems involve, respectively, the cerebellum, amygd ala and hippocampus. This article reviews developmental research on eyeblin k conditioning in rodents that is beginning to characterize ontogenetic dis sociations and interactions among these memory systems. This research shows that the functional development of the affective system (conditioned fear response) precedes that of the sensorimotor system (conditioned eyeblink re flex). Modulation of these two systems by cognitive processes also seems to emerge at different points in ontogeny. Implications for cognitive develop ment and research on multiple memory systems are discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevi er Science B.V. All rights reserved.