Chapter 9 - Mechanisms of Learning Flashcards
Define learning.
Learning can be defined as a relatively permanent change in behaviour that occurs as a result of experience.
What is a reflex?
Automatic involuntary behaviour that does not require prior experience and occurs in the same way each time.
What is a fixed-action pattern?
A fixed-action pattern of behaviour occurs when all members of a species produce an identical response to the same specific environmental stimuli.
How do fixed-action patterns differ from reflexes?
Reflexes consist of a single or simple response, whereas a fixed-action pattern is more complex, usually consisting of a sequence of responses.
Define maturation.
Maturation is a developmental process leading towards maturity, based on the orderly sequence of changes that occur in the nervous system and other bodily structures controlled by genetic inheritance.
How do two neurons communicate?
They do so by sending a neurotransmitter across the synaptic gap, the space between the axon ending of one neuron and the dendrite of another.
What are the three components of the synapse?
The synaptic gap, the presynaptic neuron, and the postsynaptic neuron.
What is long-term potentiation?
LTP refers to the longlasting strengthening of the synaptic connections of neurons, resulting in the enhanced or more effective functioning of the neurons whenever they are activated.
Define plasticity.
Plasticity is the ability of the brain’s neural structure or function to be changed by experience throughout the lifespan.
What is developmental plasticity?
Developmental plasticity refers to changes in the brain’s neural structure in response to experience during its growth and development.
What is synaptogenesis?
The process of forming new synapses.
What is synaptic pruning?
The process of eliminating synaptic connections.
What is adaptive plasticity?
Adaptive plasticity refers to changes occuring in the brain’s neural structure to enable adjustment to experience, to compensate for lost function and/or to maximise remaining functions in the event of brain damage.
What is a sensitive period?
A specific period of time in development when an organism is more responsive to certain environmental stimuli or experiences.
