Learning and Memory

Question 1

Explain classical conditioning

Answer 1

A conditioned stimulus (CS) is presented which elicits no response. An unconditioned stimulus (UCS) is then presented which automatically elicits an unconditioned response (UCR). The CS is paired with the UCS a number of times and so the learned response is called the conditioned response (CR). Pavlov’s dog is the most known example of classical conditioning.

Question 2

Explain instrumental conditioning

Answer 2

Also known as operant conditioning where a response leads to a reinforcer (increases future probability of response) or a punishment (decreases the future probability of response).

Question 3

What are the traditional two categories of learning?

Answer 3

Classical and Instrumental (operant) conditioning.

Question 4

What are the two principles Lashley proposed about the nervous system?

Answer 4

1. equipotentiality—all parts or the cortex contribute equally to complex behaviours
2. mass action - the cortex works as a whole and thereofre more cortex is better

Question 5

What is an engram?

Answer 5

the physical representation of what has been

learned

Question 6

What is the physiological explanation of a ‘flashbulb moment’? aka a highly emotional experience.

Answer 6

highly emotional experiences arouse the locus
coeruleus, which increases norepinephrine release throughout the cortex and dopamine release in the hippocampus. They also increase the secretion of epinephrine and cortisol that activate the amygdala and hippocampus.

Question 7

How does the cortex store a working memory during a delay?

Answer 7

Occasional bursts of gamma oscillations (45 to 100 Hz) occur in cells that responded to a stimulus, but the bursts alternate among cells instead of persisting throughout the delay in any one cell.

Question 8

What is Korsakoff’s Syndrome?

Answer 8

Brain damage caused by prolonged thiamine deficiency. This is needed to metabolize glucose. This is common among peple with sever alcoholism. Some symptoms include apathy, confusion, memory loss and confabulation.

Question 9

Which chromosome is linked to most cases of early-onset alzhiemers?

Answer 9

Chromosome 21 (the same that is duplicated in those with Down Syndrome)

Question 10

What is the name of the protien which is associated with alzhiemers and what does it do?

Answer 10

Amyloid-β - this accumulates inside and outside neurons and spread from cell to cell. It damages axons and dendrites, decreases synaptic input, and decreases plasticity.

Question 11

What are plaques and tangles?

Answer 11

Damaged axons and dendrites (from amyloid-B) cluster into structures called plaques that damage the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and other areas.
Tangles are structures formed from degeneration within neurons caused by tau protien.
Both are found within the cortex of those with alzheimers.

Question 12

What is the most plausible explanation for infant amnesia?

Answer 12

The rapid learning in early childhood displaces memories formed in infancy.

Question 13

What is anterograde amnesia?

Answer 13

Inability to form memories after an injury/damage

Question 14

What is retrograde amnesia?

Answer 14

Inability to recall memory for events prior to injury/damage

Question 15

What are episodic memories?

Answer 15

Memories of personal events

Question 16

What are semantic memories?

Answer 16

Memories of factual information

Question 17

What is the difference between explicit and implicit recall?

Answer 17

Explicit memory is deliberate recall of information
that one recognizes as a memory, also known as
declarative memory. If you have an explicit or declarative memory of something, you can state it in words, draw a picture of it, or otherwise demonstrate that you know you remember it.
Implicit memory is an influence of experience on behavior, even if you do not recognize that influence.

Question 18

What is procedural memory?

Answer 18

Development of motor skills and habits - it is a kind of implicit memory.

Question 19

What are some patterns of amnesia?

Answer 19

Normal working memory, unless distracted

Severe anterograde amnesia for declarative memory—that is, difficulty forming new declarative memories

Severe loss of episodic memories, including most of those from before the damage

Better implicit than explicit memory

Nearly intact procedural memory, implying that procedural memory depends on other brain areas

Question 20

What makes up the striatum and what is it?

Answer 20

The striatum is made up of the caudate nucleus and putamen and is essential to slowly learning new habits.