Neural Basis Of Learning Practice Questions

Question 1

Fixed Action Pattern.

Answer 1

A sequence of instinctive behaviour which is prevalent across all members of a species.

Question 2

Give examples of a fixed action pattern.

Answer 2

• Spiders making webs.

- Birds building nests (nesting).

Question 3

Why is a fixed action pattern not considered a learnt behaviour.

Answer 3

Because it is an innate/instinctive behaviour which requires no prior experience to be performed.

Question 4

Identify two processes involved in adaptive plasticity.

Answer 4

1. Rerouting.

2. Sprouting.

Question 5

Explain rerouting.

Answer 5

When an undamaged neuron forms a connection with another active neuron after the connection it had with a prior neuron was no longer in use.

Question 6

Explain sprouting.

Answer 6

When dendrites grow new ‘dendritic spines’ to account for the additional neurotransmitters being sent out of the terminal buttons due to the axon terminals ‘sprouting’, therefore creating additional synaptic connections.

Question 7

Explain sensitive periods in learning theory.

Answer 7

Time during development when a person is more responsive to certain types of environmental experiences or learning (Eg. Must learn language before age of 1 or it becomes difficult).

Question 8

Explain critical periods in learning theory.

Answer 8

Specific time when an organism is more vulnerable to deprivation of certain environmental stimuli or experience (Eg. Visual impairment for cats if deprived of light for long periods within first 6 years).

Question 9

Explain the process of synapse formation during learning.

Answer 9

1. Axon terminals of pre-synaptic neuron causes glutamate to be secreted into the synapses (synaptogenesis).
2. Glutamate travels to the dendrites of the post-synaptic neuron, which causes the production and release of dopamine.
3. Dopamine causes structural changes to occur in the neurons.
4. Post-synaptic neuron dendrites grow ‘dendritic spines’.
5. Pre-synaptic neurons axon terminals grow larger (sprouts) to allow for the release of more neurotransmitters.
6. This allows for faster and more efficient transmissions between two neurons.

Question 10

In terms of brain plasticity, why is it possible for a visually impaired child to have a heightened sense of touch?

Answer 10

Because would compensate for the loss of vision by rerouting neurons to form connections which are associated with touch. Sprouting would then occur to strengthen these connections and improve rate of electrical/neural transmissions.

Question 11

What is a neurotransmitter?

Answer 11

A chemical which transmits messages between neurons.

Question 12

Explain the process of neurotransmission at the synapse.

Answer 12

1. Terminal buttons of the pre-synaptic neuron’s axon terminals release vesicles into the synapse (the vesicles contain neurotransmitters).
2. Neurotransmitters enter the dendrites of the post-synaptic neuron where the neural/electrical impulse continues through the axon.

Process occurs again.

Question 13

Name and describe the five stages of developmental plasticity.

Answer 13

1. Proliferation: Unborn baby’s cells divide and multiply.
2. Migration: Newly formed neurons move to their destined location.
3. Circuit formation: When neurons make connections with each other.
4. Circuit pruning: Neurons which have not established a connection die.
5. Myelination: Myelin sheaths are formed to protect axons and improve electrical transmissions.

Question 14

What is adaptive plasticity?

Answer 14

Refers to the ability of the brain to compensate for lost function and/or maximise remaining functions in the event of brain injury by reorganising its structure.

Question 15

When axon terminals sprout, what is it called?

Answer 15

Filigree appendages.