Experiments with rats have led researchers to conclude that the basal ganglia are particularly important in perceptual-motor learning that involves generating motor responses based on specific environmental cues

▪ The basic assumption behind this research is that there is nothing unique about the way the basal ganglia function in rats learning to navigate mazes, and basal ganglia damage should disrupt skill learning in similar ways in humans

▪ Conversely, enhanced basal ganglia function may facilitate skill learning