Hebb's theory of learning and neuronal growth Flashcards
what is Hebb’s theory
Hebb’s theory of learning and neuronal growth suggested that when we learn, this creates new connections between neurons in the brain.
why is the brain plastic
The brain changes structure and connections in response to new experiences (= learning).
Any learning – at any age – will do this.
what does learning produce
Learning leaves a trace (engram).
This can be made permanent if we practise and rehearse what we are learning.
explain how Cell assemblies and neuronal growth
Cell assemblies are groups of neurons that fire together.
The more they fire, the more the synaptic connections grow and strengthen.
Neuronal growth occurs as the cell assemblies rewire to manage new learning.
what are two strength for hebb’s theory
A strength of Hebb’s theory is that it is scientific.
Hebb explained learning in terms of brain function which provided an objective basis for understanding behaviour.
This shows that learning can be studied through brain processes.
Another strength of Hebb’s theory is it can be applied to education.
He found that rats raised in stimulating settings were better able to find their way through mazes as adults.
This could be applied to education by creating more stimulating environments to encourage learning.
what is a weaknes for Hebb’s theory
A weakness with Hebb’s theory is that it reduces learning to a neuronal level.
This means that other levels of understanding are ignored, such as Piaget’s ideas about how accommodation moves learning forwards.
This is an issue as a more complete account of learning would discuss non-biological factors as well.
