Does anyone know what the latest consensus is on the neural mechanisms of
learning, both with regard to memory and to motor skills? What physical and
physiological changes occur during the process where an initially foreign
reaction becomes almost(?) reflex? For example, when we first learn to drive
the control of the clutch was difficult and required a great deal of
concentration. But after a few months it is so natural we do it
automatically without thinking.
Related to this question is the problem of whether or not all reflex
reactions are hardwired into our systems or whether theyn can be learned or
unlearned. eg Can a karate master override his reflex to cringe in the face
of an attack and replace it with a reflex to sidestep and block?
Any help would be much appreciated.
Hugh Selsick
Wits Physiology Department
