Question

(1) Define delayed and trace conditioning, and (2) describe why amnesics can be conditioned with a delay conditioning manipulation, but not with a trace delay conditioning manipulating

Answer 1

In trace conditioning the unconditioned stimulus (UCS) and conditioned stimulus (CS) are presented separately with an interval of time in between. In this , the  brain needs to form a mental representation of the conditioned stimulus post its end.But in delayed conditioning, there is definitely a delay but the  CS and UCS overlap for a time.

The conscious awareness is supported with sustained, adaptively timed, cognitive-emotional resonance. This is mechanized as a temporal-amygdala-orbitofrontal resonance that now inturn is  supported by hippocampal feedback. All this does conclude that all conscious states are resonant states.The trace conditioning is facilitated by conscious awareness but delay conditioning is not. Also a normal subject may not be consciously aware of delay conditioning, and amnesics with bilateral hippocampal lesions perform like unaware controls on delay and trace conditioning.