Chapter 10 Neural Basis Of Learning

Question 1

Behaviours not dependent on learning

Answer 1

Reflex actions, Fixed action patterns, Maturation

Question 2

Reflex actions

Answer 2

Automatic, involuntary behaviours (responses) to a stimulus, that do not require any previous experience.
They occur the same way each time.

Question 3

Fixed action patterns

Answer 3

A sequence of behaviours that are genetically programmed to behave a certain way and these fixed action patterns are inherited by all members of a species
These are often complex and specific to a species

Question 4

Maturation

Answer 4

A developmental process leading towards maturing based on the orderly sequence of changes that occurs in the nervous system and other bodily structures controlled by genetic influences

Question 5

Development of neural pathways

Answer 5

The neural pathways in the brain are consistently changing through out the lifespan with each new experience.
-the brain follows a predictable pattern of growth and development (biological perspective)

Question 6

Pre and post-Synaptic neurons

Answer 6

The presynaptic neuron is the neuron who’s axon terminals are connected to the post synaptic neurons dendrites. The pre synaptic send and the post synaptic receives.

Question 7

Learning

Answer 7

Relatively permanent change in behaviour that occurs as a result of an experience.
-It is continuous throughout the lifespan
Learning can be
-Intentional (e.g lessons)
-Unintentional (e.g learning a song)
-Active (e.g reciting times tables)
-Passive (e.g knowing winner of X-factor)

Question 8

What are the two main neurotransmitter that effects learning

Answer 8

Glutamate

Dopamine

Question 9

Glutamate (Glu)

Answer 9

When released during learning, Glu imitates activity in the post synaptic neurons.
-It is released during learning is also believed to contribute to synaptic formations and strengthening connections at the synapses during learning.

Question 10

Dopamine

Answer 10

Contributes to the strengthening of synaptic connections during learning (and memory formation)
- has a large role in reward based learning (operant conditioning) DA creates the ‘pleasurable experience’ and ‘rewards’ the experience

Question 11

Plasticity

Answer 11

The ability of the brain’s neural structures or functions to be changed by experience throughout the lifespan.

• the brain’s ability to learn due to its flexibility in being able to adjust to changes in the environmental input.
• due to learning causing changes at the synapse (establishing and strengthening), new pathways can form, link up and connect with exciting pathways.
• Children have more plasticity than adults. This is due to a larger amount of neurons in the child

Question 12

Two types of plasticity

Answer 12

Developmental

Adaptive (neuro-plasticity)

Question 13

Developmental

Answer 13

Refers to the change in the brains neural structure in response to experience during its growth and development
-developmental plasticity is predetermined and influenced by experience
-A significant period of developmental plasticity is after birth, where a new baby forms far more synaptic connections than it will ever use.
-This process called Synaptogenesis (the development of new synapses, particularly in the first year of life)
-This allows the new Norns brain to initially have the capacity to respond to the constant stream of new environmental input
-the decrease in neural cells and synaptic connections is called Synaptic pruning
-Rate of pruning changes depending on the part of the brain
“Use it, or loose it”

Question 14

Five stages of developmental plasticity

Answer 14

1- Proliferation: neuron cells of unborn baby divide and multiply
2- Migration: newly formed neurons move to their destination, which determines what they develop into and therefore their role.
3- Circuit formation: axons of new neuron cells grow and cells from synapses
4- Circuit pruning: elimination of excess neurons and synapses during infancy and again in adolescents.
5- Myelination: axon in the brain become covered, which protect them from electrical interference from other neurons

Question 15

Adaptive plasticity

Answer 15

Changes in the brains neural structures to enable an adjustment to experience, to compensate for loss of function and/or maximise remaining functions in the event of brain damage

• The effectiveness of the response depends on the location, degree and extent of the damage sustained
• Can occur at any stage within the lifespan however it is typically quicker and more responsive during infancy and early childhood and slows as we age
• it is adaptive plasticity that allows the brain to compensate for damage by reorganising the remaining structures.

Question 16

Processes of adaptive plasticity

Answer 16

Rerouting

Sprouting

Question 17

Rerouting

Answer 17

Where an unmanaged neuron that has lost a connection with an active neuron may seek a new active neuron and connect wit it instead

Question 18

Sprouting

Answer 18

Is the growth of a new ‘bushier’ nerve fibres with more branches to make new connections. This involves not only nerve growth, but Rerouting as well

Question 19

What are the Timing of experiences

And their subcategories

Answer 19

Sensitive periods
-Experience expectant learning 
-Experience dependent learning
Critical periods
-Imprinting

Question 20

Sensitive periods

Answer 20

The optimal time for a developing person to learn specific things as they are more responsive to a certain environmental stimulus or experience.

• Windows of opportunity
• The best time to learn something

Example
Language

Question 21

Experience expectant learning

Answer 21

vital that the individual is exposed to an experience that is expected, ideally in the sensitive period e.g. being exposed to one’s native language (infancy & early childhood is when this type of learning typically occurs) -Learning that all members of the relevant species experience

Question 22

Experience dependent learning

Answer 22

a form of learning that can occur at any time during an individual’s life & depends on exposure to a particular experience e.g growing up in a bilingual family – learning 2 languages. These experiences are unique to the individual

Question 23

Critical period

Answer 23

a specific period in development during which an organism is most vulnerable to the deprivation or absence of certain enviro stimuli or experiences

Question 24

Imprinting

Answer 24

The best know example of a critical period in relation to learning.
Example
A mallard ducking will approach and follow the first noisy moving object encountered after birth.