Knoll József: The theory of active reflexes. An analysis of some fundamental mechanisms of higher nervous activity (Budapest, 1969)

J. KNOLL THE THEORY OF ACTIVE REFLEXES An Analysis of Some Fundamental Mechanisms of Higher Nervous Activity In this volume the physiological basis of drive-motivated psychic activities is interpreted according to a new concep­tion. Cylinder-seeking is compared in detail with food-seeking behaviour. The development of the cylinder-seeking behaviour resulting from an acquired drive, which urges the animal to search for and jump to the rim a top- and bottom-opened glass cylinder, having also a side opening, is a new method. Cylinder-seeking rats show the same high-grade adaptability and readiness in overcoming different obstacles when reaching the goal as the ones influenced by hunger drive. A comparison between this behaviour and the one regulated by innate hunger drive with the help of behavioural, electrophysiological and psychopharmacological methods, serves as a basis for analysing the characteris­tics of the specific activation process in the central nervous system underlying the physiological basis of drives. This kind of analysis strengthens the suggestion that drive-motivated psychic activity is a specific type of chain-reflexes (active reflexes). The theory of active reflexes can be traced back to the principal ideas of Pavlov. The limits of the Pavlovian chain-reflex conception, however, have made the author’s new approach, dealt with in this volume, necessary. This book will be of interest for scientists engaged in brain research. AKADÉMIAI KIADÓ PUBLISHING HOUSE OF THE HUNGARIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES Budapest

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