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PSY 212
Chapter 13: Learning and Memory
Term | Definition |
---|---|
learning | experience-dependent changes in the brain (synaptic plasticity) |
perceptual learning | the ability to recognize and label a stimulus; this learning is carried out by integration of information in sensory association cortices |
stimulus-response learning | manipulation of or exposure to a particular stimulus in space produces a physiological response (two subtypes: classical and operant conditioning) |
motor learning | changes within the motor control systems; interaction between the body and its external environment (ex. Playing guitar, riding a bike) |
relational learning | understanding relationships and “feature integration.” Spatial learning requires us to navigate our way through space–imagine that you’re lost and trying to navigate through a new city |
long-term depression (LTD) | the weakening of a synapse when stimulation of presynaptic neurons is insufficient to activate the postsynaptic neurons |
long-term potentiation (LTP) | strengthening of a synapse when presynaptic neurons and postsynaptic neurons are active at the same time |
hebbian learning | Donald Hebb proposed the famous neuroscience mantra: “neurons that wire together fire together” |
positive reinforcement | adding a rewarding stimulus to make the preceding behavior occur more frequently |
negative reinforcement | removing an aversive stimulus to make the preceding behavior occur more frequently |
positive punishment | adding an aversive stimulus to make the preceding behavior less frequently |
negative punishment | removing a rewarding stimulus to make the preceding behavior occur less frequently |
fixed ratio | the reinforcement is provided after a set number of responses |
fixed interval | the reinforcement is provided for a certain amount of time |
variable ratio | the reinforcement is provided after an unpredictable number of responses |
variable interval | the reinforcement is presented after the amount of time has passed |
mirror neurons | neurons that respond when humans engage in a specific activity by observing something happening in their environment and performing the same action |
classical conditioning | learning through association (Ivan Pavlov and Eye Blink Conditioning) |
operant conditioning | response-consequence learning; shaping of behavior parallels shaping of the genome via evolution by natural selection |
cam-kinases | transcription factors are involved in the production of transcribed mRNA (gene expression) |
early phase LTP (E-LTP) | calcium is released to start with protein synthesis |
late phase LTP (L-LTP) | includes changes in protein synthesis (i.e., gene expression) that produce long lasting changes in the brain |
anterograde amnesia | inability to form new memories after traumatic brain injury |
retrograde amnesia | inability to remember events before traumatic brain injury |
korsakoff syndrome | alcohol/malnutrition-induced anterograde amnesia |