The impact of arousal levels on reversal learning

Abstract

This study explored how different levels of arousal may influence reversal learning. Arousal was induced by a emotional loaded memory. Participants performed a Probabilistic Reversal Learning Task (PRLT). The results show that a memory with a either a painful or fearful emotional load did not have a different impact on the rates of explorative and exploitative behaviour in reversal learning. It is likely that punishment-driven learning is not effected by emotional arousal.