Psychology - Learning

Question 1

Operant conditioning

Answer 1

The learner is active, they have a choice.
Voluntary response. (endless responses)
Behaviour (action/response) comes before the stimulus (consequence)

Question 2

Classical conditioning

Answer 2

The learner is passive, they do nothing. (no choice)
Involuntary response. (very limited)
Stimulus before response (timing is crucial)

Question 3

Learning

Answer 3

The way we develop or change as a result of an experience.

Question 4

Synaptogenesis

Answer 4

The formation of a synapse between neurons.

Question 5

Long term potentiation (LTP)

Answer 5

The increase in synaptic strength through high frequency stimulation of the synaptic pathway.

• Dendrites become bushier (reactive more information)
• More neurotransmitters released
• Increase in vesicles
• Stronger synapse (the more they do the task the better they get at re doing it and get stronger and just better)

Question 6

Long term depression (LTD)

Answer 6

The reduction in the efficiency in synaptic connections.

This allows us to rebuild the connection and strengthen it after a period of down time.

Question 7

Neurontransmitters

Answer 7

A chemical substance, released at the synapse to interact between a pre and post synaptic neurone.

Can only function as a neurotransmitter.

Can dampen (inhibitory) or enhance (excitatory) a response.

Question 8

Neurohormones

Answer 8

A chemical substance, released by a neurone.

Can function as a hormone or a neurotransmitter.

Can dampen (inhibitory) or enhance (excitatory) a response.

Question 9

Glutamate

Answer 9

Main excitatory neurotransmitter.

Binds neurons together through synaptic plasticity involved in LTP.

Question 10

Adrenaline

Answer 10

Can enhance long term memory.

Ensures memory strength relates to memory importance.

Important for encoding emotional memories.