sac 3 - learning and memory sac

Question 1

what is neural plasticity

Answer 1

the ability of the brain’s neural structure or function to be changed in response to the environment, influenced by genetic and environmental factors

Question 2

what is synaptogenisis

Answer 2

the process by which synapses are forms between neurons, this occurs throughout life but most rapidly during infancy up to 2 years.

Question 3

what is learning

Answer 3

a relatively permanent change in behaviour due t experience

Question 4

what is memory

Answer 4

the process of encoding, storage and retrieval of information

Question 5

in what ways can neural plasticity occur?

Answer 5

• producing growth of new syntactic connections
• pruning away existing (unused) synaptic connections
• modifying the strength or effectiveness of synaptic transmission

Question 6

what is long term potentiation

Answer 6

long lasting strengthening of synaptic connections resulting in enhanced or more effective synaptic transmission.

• more vesicles, neurotransmitters and receptor sites
• increased communication

Question 7

what is long term depression

Answer 7

long lasting decrease in the strength of synaptic transmission, resulting from lack of stimulation

• less vesicles, neurotransmitters and receptor sites
• decreased communications

Question 8

neurotransmitters

Answer 8

• chemical substance that is released at the synapse to interact between pre and post synapse neuron
• only function as a neurotransmitter
• can dampen or enhance a response
• released quickly and travel short distances

Question 9

neurohormones

Answer 9

• a chemical substance that is released by a neuron and is secreted into circulation
• can function as a hormone or a neurotransmitter
• can dampen or enhance a response
• slower release and travel longer distances

Question 10

similarities between neurohormones and neurotransmitters

Answer 10

• chemical messengers

- can enhance or inhibit a response

Question 11

what is the role of glutamate in memory and learning

Answer 11

• main excitatory neurotransmitter for learning and memory
• promotes growth and strengthening of synaptic connections between neurons
• vital role in LTP and LTD: the more glutamate can excite the post synaptic neuron the more it contributes to LTP(&vice versa)

Question 12

what is the role of adrenalin in memory and learning

Answer 12

• can enhance the encoding process of log term memories of emotionally arousing experiences
• affects memory by activating the amygdala for a fear response. tends to enhance our memory retention and consolidation

Question 13

what is consolidation

Answer 13

the process of making a newly formed memory stable and enduring after learning

Question 14

what is operant conditioning

Answer 14

a type of learning in which behaviour becomes controlled by its consequences. it is a voluntary behaviour

Question 15

3 phase model of OC

Answer 15

A- antecedent (discriminative stimulus)–Stimulus conditions that exist in the environment prior to response
B- behaviour–Response or voluntary behaviour of the organism
C- Consequence–Consequence that is applied to the response

Question 16

what are reinforcers

Answer 16

any stimulus that strengthens or increases a response
Positive reinforcement - a reward which strengthens a response by providing a pleasant consequence eg. a star on a chart
Negative reinforcement - the removal, reduction or prevention of an unpleasant stimulus eg taking a panadol for headache, if it works you’ll take it again

Question 17

what are punishers

Answer 17

any stimulus that weakens decreases the likelihood of a. response
Punishment - a behaviour followed by a negative experience eg detention
Response Cost - a form of punishment that entails something pleasurable being removed eg phone taken away

Question 18

what is classical conditioning

Answer 18

a form of learning where two normally unrelated stimuli are repeatedly linked so that existing reflex responses are elicited by new stimuli; also known as respondent conditioning

Question 19

what is the neutral stimulus (NS)

Answer 19

a stimulus that does not naturally elicit any specific response eg bell

Question 20

what is the unconditioned stimulus (UCS)

Answer 20

a specific stimulus that is innately capable of eliciting a reflex response eg food

Question 21

what is the unconditioned response (UCR)

Answer 21

the natural, automatic response to a specific unconditioned stimulus eg salivation

Question 22

what is conditioned stimulus (CS)

Answer 22

a stimulus that evokes a specific response due to learning eg bell

Question 23

what is the conditioned response (CR)

Answer 23

a reflex response to a previously neutral stimulus that occurs after learning has taken place eg salivation

Question 24

phases of classical conditioning

Answer 24

phase 1 – before conditioning (before learning)
phase 2 – during conditioning (During learning) known as acquisition; the learning itself, gaining of knowledge
phase 3 – after conditioning (after learning)

Question 25

limitations of punishment

Answer 25

• doesn’t teach whats right, only whats wrong
• it could be too harsh or too soft
• might not be the right timing

Question 26

what is observational learning

Answer 26

when learning occurs by watching others and noting the consequences of their actions, then imitating or not imitating their behaviour

Question 27

steps in observational learning (ARRMR)

Answer 27

All Rude Rats Make raspberries

• Attention - focus on distinctive features of model’s behaviour.
• Retention – need to be able to remember model’s behaviour
• Reproduction – must be capable of imitating behaviour
• motivation – needs to be an incentive in imitating behaviour
• reinforcement – must be some reward for modelling behaviour (internal satisfaction, vicarious reinforcement or external reinforcement)

Question 28

comparing classical and operant conditioning

Answer 28

classical is passive, operant is active
classical involves the stimulus then a response, operant is response then stimulus
classical is a reflex so is involuntary, operant is voluntary
classical involves autonomic NS, operant involves somatic NS
classical can substitute one stimuli for another, operant cannot

Question 29

similarities of classical and operant conditioning

Answer 29

both learning models

both 3 stage models

Question 30

stimulus generalisation in classical conditioning

Answer 30

when stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus produce the conditioned response

Question 31

stimulus discrimination in classical conditioning

Answer 31

the ability to discriminate between stimuli so that only a specific stimulus produces the conditioned response

Question 32

extinction in classical conditioning

Answer 32

gradual decrease in strength or frequency of a CR when the UCS is no longer available

Question 33

spontaneous recovery in classical conditioning

Answer 33

the reappearance of a CR to the CS after a period of apparent extinction

Question 34

operant stimulus generalisation

Answer 34

the tendency to respond to stimuli similar to stimuli that precede operant reinforcement

Question 35

operant stimulus discrimination

Answer 35

the ability to differentiate between similar stimuli to the stimuli that signal reinforcement and non reinforcement

Question 36

operant extinction

Answer 36

when the learnt response gradually decreases in strength or rate of response after reinforcement stops

Question 37

operant spontaneous recovery

Answer 37

reappearance of a previously reinforced response after a period of operant extinction

Question 38

acquisition difference for CC and OC

Answer 38

CC - Association of two stimuli NS and UCS.

OC - Association of response with a consequence.

Question 39

ethical considerations breach in little Albert

Answer 39

informed consent - alberts mother claims she was not told of what the experiment would entail so there was not adequate permission given
confidentiality- Watson published the results of the experience, Albert wasn’t remained anonymous
experience trauma- Albert suffered emotionally after the experiment
debrief- Albert and his mother were not told of the conditioning experiment and what they were actually doing while he was conditioned