An overly aroused state may change spatial learners in to response learners. The binding of glucocorticoids and/or NE in the amygdala might produce a signal that results in this strategy shift.

FIRING CHARACTERISTICS: Some striatal cells fire according to stimulus reponse mappings, such that firing becomes tightly coupled to stimuli that are mapped to a goal directed behavioral response. With overtraining of the Stimulus – Response mapping, firing to the stimulus is maintained even when the animal inhibits responding. Over time, firing to a stimulus that never leads to a response dissipates.