Learning And Memory Flashcards
What is learning?
Acquisition of new information
What is memory?
Retention of learned information
What is declarative memory?
Facts and events
What is non-declarative memory?
Procedural memory, motor skills and habits
What are the types of declarative memory?
Working memory, short term memories and long term memories
How long does the working memory last?
Seconds
What are stored in short term memory?
Facts and events
What is memory consolidation?
The process of converting short to long term memories
What is the function of the prefrontal cortex?
self-awareness
capacity for planning and problem solving
What is the proof that the working memory is in the prefrontal cortex?
Delayed response test in monkeys
What is the delayed response task in monkeys?
Show monkey two bowls - one with food and one without
Then cover them and get the monkey to pick a bowl
In the delayed response task when is the greatest level of prefrontal cortex neuronal activity?
Delay period (when using the working memory)
What is an engram?
Groups of neurons that encode memories
How are memories stored?
External stimulus
Activation of the cell assembly
Activation continues after the stimulus is removed
Hebbian modification strengthens the connections between active neurons (ie the engram)
What brain areas does memory consolidation involve?
The medial temporal lobes