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FB Kolloq SoSe2026: Klaus Rothermund

„ Should episodic binding/retrieval processes be considered as a source of learning?”

Veranstaltungsdaten

Prof. Dr. Klaus Rothermund, Universität Jena
„ Should episodic binding/retrieval processes be considered as a source of learning?”

Learning – that is, adapting behavior to environmental regularities – is a core factor for explaining human action (e.g., skills and habits). Classical accounts attribute learning to an extended exposure to events and contingencies during which abstract associations are formed due to either reinforcement (“law of effect”) or practice (“law of exercise”). Recently, episodic binding/retrieval has been identified as another source of contingency learning effects. Specifically, the very last episode that shares some feature with the current situation exerts a strong impact on behavior and explains a large share of contingency learning effects (“law of recency”). This leads to a number of interesting follow-up questions: Should episodic binding/retrieval be considered a source of learning? What is left of contingency learning, if episodic retrieval of the last episode is controlled? Do binding/retrieval processes obey the same principles that have been shown to rule learning proper? Can temporary bindings be transformed into long-term associations? I will present an overview of recent research findings that address these questions, suggesting the interim conclusion that episodic binding/retrieval should not be considered as a source of learning.