Basics of Learning and Memory

Question 1

Define learning

Answer 1

Learning is a process by which experience produces a relatively enduring and adaptive change in an organism’s capacity for behaviour

Question 2

What are the subdivisions of learning?

Answer 2

Associative learning-> classical conditioning, operant conditioning.
Non associative learning -> Habituation, sensitisation, perceptual learning, motor learning, observation learning

Question 3

Define associative learning

Answer 3

Changes in knowledge or behaviour as a result of association between two or more event/stimuli

Question 4

How does associative learning work?

Answer 4

Humans associate two or more things that occur close together in space and time particularly if it is frequent and is accompanied by a significant event

Question 5

What case study is used to support classical conditioning? (human study)

Answer 5

Little Albert- conditioned phobia of white mice

Question 6

What is second order conditioning?

Answer 6

Pairing a conditioned stimulus with a new neutral stimulus - this is usually weaker than the original pairing

Question 7

What is extinction?

Answer 7

Learned behaviour ceases

Question 8

What is spontaneous recovery?

Answer 8

Extinguished behaviour reappears - the response is not totally unlearned by it is weaker

Question 9

What are the neural correlates of classical conditioning?

Answer 9

Amygdala and lateral nucleus

Question 10

How can associative learning be used therapeutically?

Answer 10

Understanding the foundations of learning can form the basis of unlearning fears and trauma responses

Question 11

List the therapeutic techniques based off of associative learning

Answer 11

Systematic desensitisation, flooding, aversion therapy

Question 12

What is operant conditioning?

Answer 12

Humans learning that a certain behaviour elicits a certain outcome

Question 13

Who first introduced the concept of operant conditioning and why?

Answer 13

Thorndike (1898) because he wanted to disprove advanced intelligence in animals

Question 14

Who is the father of behaviourism?

Answer 14

Skinner

Question 15

Define operant conditioning

Answer 15

Learning in which the consequences of behaviour affects the probability of the behaviour will be repeated

Question 16

What is reinforcement?

Answer 16

The consequence of the behaviour increases the likelihood of repeating the behaviour

Question 17

What are the brain bases involved in reinforcement?

Answer 17

Prefrontal cortex, Nucleus accumbens, Mesocorticolimbic, substentia

Question 18

List non-associative learning methods

Answer 18

Habituation, Sensitisation, perceptual learning, Motor learning and observational learning

Question 19

Explain habituation

Answer 19

Decreasing response to a certain stimulus as a result of repeated exposure over time

Question 20

Define sensitisation

Answer 20

Progressively heightened awareness/responsiveness to a stimuli for a period of time

Question 21

What is perceptual learning?

Answer 21

Learning to recognise entirely new things or variation in things that we already know and adapting to that change

Question 22

What is motor learning?

Answer 22

Learning of sequences of motor responses

Question 23

What area of the brain are involved in motor learning?

Answer 23

Motor cortex, basal ganglia, thalamus and cerebellum

Question 24

What is observational learning?

Answer 24

Learning through the observation/experiences of other rather than from out own experience (vicarious reinforcement)

Question 25

What are the mediational processes?

Answer 25

Cognitive processes such as : attention, retention, motor reproduction and reinforcement

Question 26

What is memory?

Answer 26

The retention of learned behaviour, associated with long term changes in the nervous system

Question 27

Where does the transition from learning to long term memory occur?

Answer 27

Long term potentiation in the hippocampal

Question 28

What is the neuroanatomy of declarative memory?

Answer 28

Inferior temporal cortex- visual memories
Amygdala - strengthening emotionally significant memories
Prefrontal cortex- Temporal order of events (working memory)
Cerebellum - memories for sensorimotor skills
Stratum- habit formation