Learning and memory Flashcards
Classical Conditioning
A process of learning through the involuntary association between the neutral stimulus and the unconditioned stimulus that results in a conditioned response.
Before Conditioning
Neutral stimulus has no response.
The unconditioned stimulus produces an unconditioned response.
During conditioning
The Neutral Stimulus (NS) is repeatedly paired with the Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS) producing an Unconditioned response (UCR).
NR needs to be presented half a second before the UCS.
After Conditioning
NS becomes the Conditioned Stimulus (CS), producing a Conditioned Response (CR).
Operant Conditioning
A three-phase learning process that involves an antecedent, behaviour and consequence, whereby the consequence of a behaviour determines the likelihood of the behaviour reoccurring.
Requires an active learner.
Antecedent
The stimulus or event that precedes and often elicits a particular behaviour.
Behaviour (in operant conditioning)
Voluntary actions when antecedent is present
Consequence
The outcome of the behaviour determining the likelihood of the behaviour reoccurring.
Positive reinforcement
The addition of a desired stimulus which increases the likelihood of a behaviour reoccurring
Negative reinforcement
The removal of an undesirable stimulus which increases the likelihood of a behaviour reoccurring
Positive punishment
Adding an undesirable stimulus to decrease the likelihood of a behaviour reoccurring.
Negative punishment (Response cost)
The removal of a desired stimulus to decrease the likelihood of a behaviour reoccurring
Observational learning (Social learning)
A learner observes a model’s actions and consequences to guide their future actions.
ARRMR
Attention
Retention
Reproduction
Motivation
Reinforcement
Attention
Learner actively watches the model’s behaviour and consequences
Retention
The learner retains a mental representation of the model’s behaviour(s).
Reproduction
The learner’s mental and physical capabilities enable them to reproduce the model’s behaviour
Motivation
Learner’s desire to perform the model’s behaviour
Reinforcement
Receiving a reward or desirable factor that increases the likelihood that the learner will reproduce the behaviour in the future
Holisitc
Key concepts are explored practically, together, through guidance from the whole community
Systems of Knowledge
Knowledge and skills are based on social, physical and spiritual understandings.
Facilitates survival and identity.
Eight ways of learning framework
Story sharing
Learning maps
Non-linear
Land links
Deconstruction/reconstruction
Symbols & images
Non-verbal
Community links
Country in relation to cultures
Geographical, spiritual, emotional and intellectual connections to land and within it
Atkinson-Shiffrin Multi-Store Model of Memory
Explains three distinct stores involved in memory and how they interact with each other through encoding, storage and retrieval.
Memory
Process of encoding, storing and retrieving info that has been previously encountered
Sensory memory
Very briefly stores raw info detected by your senses ( unlimited info for 0.2 - 4 seconds)
Short-term memory (working memory)
Temporarily stores limited amount of info (5-9 units for 18-20, upwards to 30 seconds). Consciously being attended to, actively manipulated.
Long-term Memory
Potentially unlimited info stored; relatively permanent (30 mins to consolidate info)
Storage
Process of retaining info in our long-term memory for future use
Encoding
Process of converting info from our short-term memory into a form that our brains can store in our long-term memory
Retrieval
Process of accessing previously stored info from our long-term memory
Strengths of the ASMSMM
Distinguishes between stores, capacities & durations, structures and processes of memory.
Findings support theory.
Weaknesses of ASMSMM
‘Oversimplified’.
STM = more complex.
Ignores influencing factors.
Elements of original theory have been disproven.
No consideration for individual differences in memory.
Explicit Memory (declarative memory)
Involves conscious retrieval. We have to think about it
Semantic memory
Explicit. General knowledge and facts.
Implicit memory (Non-declarative)
Automatic, almost subconscious knowledge. Unconsciously retrieved from your memory stores
Episodic memory
Personal experience/events
Procedural memory
Knowing how to do something using your motor skills
Classically Conditioned Memory (conditioned emotional response)
Involuntary response to stimulus
Hippocampus
Encodes explicit memories. Midbrain structure.
Damage results in issues forming new explicit memories
Amygdala
Encodes emotional components of memories.
Midbrain structure.
Tells hippocampus if sensation is meaningful.
Neocortex
Stores explicit memories.
6 layers on cerebral cortex.
‘Sorts’ memories into different locations, dependant on type of memory.
Cerebellum
Encodes and stores implicit and procedural memories.
Controls motor functions such as coordination and balance.
Found at the base of the brain.
Basal Ganglia
Encoding and storing procedural memories + unconscious habits.
Midbrain structure.
Retrieving autobiographical events
Semantic and episodic memory work together to retrieve autobiographical events. Semantic provides info about the event while episodic provides personal experiences about the event.
Possible imagined futures
Hypotheticals in which we manipulate and conceptualise. We daw on our past experiences to create these futures in our minds; hippocampus receives these autobiographical memories.
Alzheimer’s disease
Type of neurodegenerative disease, gradual loss of neurons over time.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s
Decline in cognitive function.
Changes in personality characteristics.
Frequent confusion & disorientation.
Languages & communication difficulties.
Causes of Alzheimer’s
Amyloid plaques (protein deposits), neurofibrillary tangles, cortical shrinkage, imbalance in acetylcholine (neurotransmitters).
Impact on the brain
Assessing two important lesions
Mnemonics
Devices/techniques used to aid encoding, storing and retrieving info.
Acronyms
First letters of key items which form a pronounceable word.
Acrostics
First letters of key items create a phrase, rhyme or poem.
Method of Loci (memory palace)
Converts items into mental images, associates them with specific locations.
Oral traditions
Knowledge, stories and customs are preserved and shared through spoken word and movement.
Sung narratives
Use of singing, harmony and rhythm to pass down culturally significant stories
Song lines
Multimodal performances as a family unit used to record journeys, link important sites and describe ways to live, care or/and nurture community.
Amyloid Plaques
Protein beta-amyloid accumulating insoluble plaques. Reduces communication between neurons.
Neurofibrillary tangles
Accumulation of tau protein. Gets tangled up, preventing nutrients moving through the neuron, eventually killing it.
Impacts on memory
Loss in hippocampus: issues remembering semantic and episodic memories, creating imagined futures further impacting their social interactions and planning skills.
Aphantasia
Phenomenon where individuals are unable to see visual imagery; they cannot produce a visual image in their mind. Replaces ‘pictures’ in your head with detailed descriptions.
Rehearsal
Increases the duration information stays in STM
Chunking
Increases the capacity of info in our STM
