Unit 3: Area of Study 2 - How do People Learn and Remember? Flashcards
Neural Plasticity
Is the ability of the Brain’s neural structure or function to be changed by experience throughout the lifespan
Synaptic Plasticity
Is the ability of the Synapse to change over time
Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)
Is the long-lasting strengthening of Synaptic Connections, resulting in enhanced or more effective Synaptic Transmission
Long-Term Depression (LTD)
Is the long-lasting decrease in the strength of Synaptic Transmission
Neurohormones
Are chemical messengers that are manufactured by Neurons and released from Axon Terminals
Neurotransmitter
Is a chemical substance that is made by a Neuron that carries a message to other Neurons or Cells in Muscles, Organs or other Tissue
The Role of Glutamate in Synaptic Plasticity
Glutamate promotes the growth and strengthening of Synaptic Connections between Neurons within a Neural Pathway that later on represents the memory of what has been learnt
Consolidation
Is the Biological process of making a newly formed memory stale and enduring after learning
The Role of Adrenaline in Learning and Memory
Adrenaline can enhance the Consolidation of Long-Term Memories of emotionally arousing experiences, meaning that these types of events are more likely to be remembered
The Role of GABA in Neural Plasticity
GABA is the primary inhibitory Neurotransmitter in the Central Nervous System. One of its functions is to fine-tune Neurotransmission in the Brain. This in turn allows Neurotransmission to be at the best possible level
Classical Conditioning
Is a type of learning that occurs through the repeated association of two or more different Stimuli
Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)
Is any stimulus that consistently produces a particular, naturally occurring, automatic response
Unconditioned Response (UCR)
Is the response that occurs automatically when the Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS) is presented
Neutral Stimulus (NS)
Is any Stimulus that does not normally produce a predictable response
Conditioned Stimulus
Is the Stimulus that is neutral at the start of the Conditioning Process by eventually produces a very similar response to that caused by the Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)
Conditioned Response
Is the learned response that is produced by the Conditioned Stimulus
Classical Conditioning as a Three-Phase Model
- Phase 1: Before Conditioning
- Phase 2: During Conditioning
- Phase 3: After Conditioning
Classical Conditioning as a Three-Phase Model: Phase 1
The Neutral Stimulus produces no relevant response and the Unconditioned Stimulus produces the Unconditioned Response
Classical Conditioning as a Three-Phase Model: Phase 2
The Neutral Stimulus is repeatedly paired with the Unconditioned Stimulus to produce the Unconditioned Response
Classical Conditioning as a Three-Phase Model: Phase 3
The Neutral Stimulus becomes a Conditioned Stimulus and the Conditioned Stimulus produces a Conditioned Response, which is usually very similar to the previously Unconditioned Response
Stimulus Generalisation
Is the tendency for another Stimulus that is similar to the original Conditioned Stimulus to produce a response that is similar, but not identical to the Conditioned Response
Stimulus Discrimination
Occurs when a person or animal responds to only the Conditioned Stimulus, but not to any other Stimulus that is similar to the Conditioned Stimulus
Extinction
Is the gradual decrease in the strength or rate of a Conditioned Response that occurs when the Unconditioned Stimulus is no longer presented
Spontaneous Recovery
Is the reappearance of a Conditioned Response when the Conditioned Stimulus is presented, following a rest period after the Conditioned Response appears to have been extinguished