79 - Memory and Learning Flashcards
Learning
Learning
– A process by which new information is acquired by the nervous system (brain) and adaptive changes in behavior are produced.
Memory
Memory
– Encoding, storage, and retrieval of learned information
– Record stored as the interpreted experience
– Ability to forget information that is only temporarily useful
– Involves a wide array of neuronal circuits and a process for activation (recall)
– Stored in some context (codification)
– Cross-referencing – various ‘entry points’, contexts
– Memory trace (engram) - pattern of activity unique to the record (memory)
Types of learning
- Associative
- Non-associative (simple)
- Non-associative (complex)
What is associative learning?
Learning regarding the relationship between two or more stimuli
Two types of associative learning
- Passive
- Operant
Passive associative learning
Passive
1) Simple conditioning
2) Temporal relation between stimuli
Operant associative learning ***
Operant
1) Primary stimulus is associated with a different reinforcement
stimulus
2) Reinforcement stimulus may be positive or negative (aversive)
What is the role of reinforcement in associative learning?
- Generally, time sensitive; will vary with the reinforcing stimuli
- Positive reinforcement will enhance the occurrence of the response
• e.g. sex, money, cocaine and other abused drugs (positive
reinforcers, activate the endogenous reward pathways) - Negative reinforcement; will reduce the occurrence of a particular behavior to avoid an undesirable condition
• Aversive learning will reduce the occurrence of the response. e.g. disciplining a child
Two types of non-associative (simple) learning
- Habituation (tolerance)
- Sensitization
Habituation (tolerance)
Diminished response following a repeated stimuli, e.g. lecture
Sensitization
Enhancement of a response by the addition of a second strong or noxious stimulus, e.g. loud noise or other noxious stimuli
Two types of non-associative (complex) learning
- Imprinting
- Vicarious or latent
Imprinting
1) Bonding or behavioral attraction of a young animal to a parent
2) A developmental process that must occur during a ‘critical period’
Vicarious or latent
1) Simple experience of familiarity
2) No motivation or reinforcement (reward) necessary
3) Imitation or observation
Now onto memory…
Need to memorize categories
What are the two qualitative categories of human memory?
- Declarative (explicit)
- Non-declarative (implicit, procedural, motor)
Declarative (explicit)
a. Types of information
1) Semantic (facts)
2) Episodic (events)
b. Brain area involved
1) Medial temporal lobe (hippocampus and surrounding structures)
2) Diencephalon (basal forebrain, thalamus)
c. Can be brought to a conscious level and described or examined
Non-declarative (implicit, procedural, motor)
a. Skilled movements and habits (motor behavior)
• Striatum, motor cortex, cerebellum, spinal reflex circuits
b. Priming (process of completing a word/picture, i.e. ‘activating’ a memory). when only presented with a portion of the information; based
upon prior experience
• Neocortex
c. Basic associative learning
1) Emotional responses
• Amygdala and limbic circuits
2) Skeletal musculature
• Cerebellum; spinal reflex circuits
d. Non-associative learning
• Complex reflexive pathways
Three temporal (time) categories of memory
- Short term
- Working
- Long term
Short term memory
seconds – minutes – hours
Working memory
− Has short-term nature, but is very different from other forms of shot term memory.
− Process for ‘holding’ information in a useable form for basic cognitive activities
− The contents of WM can be recalled from long-term storage or can represent a recent even that is temporarily held in mind
− To guide behavior and inhibit inappropriate actions
− Limited capacity; easy to distract
− Involved brain regions mature late in developmental stages
− Fragile process: targeted by aging, stress, etc
Long term memory
days to years
Three domains of memory
- Cognitive
- Psychomotor
- Affective
Domains are NOT mutually exclusive
Cognitive domain
To recall, calculate, discuss, analyze, problem solve, etc.