Learning and memory

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Learning and Memory

What is learning?:

Learning is a relatively permanent change in behaviour that occurs as a result of experience.

S-curve

Learning can be intentional or unintentional

Can be easy or difficult

There are few behaviours that can be not learned, eg., reflex actions, maturation and fixed action patterns in animals.

Learning happens in a variety of ways.

What is memory?:

An active information processing system that encodes, stores and recovers information.

Can change over time

Can be lost

Not a perfect replica of the world- it's personal.

Physical evidence of memory is called a memory trace.

Neural process involved in memory and learning:

Synaptogenesis: the formation of a synapse between neurons after periods of time.

^>Terminal button strengthens, increased number of vesicles due to high usage; leads to increased number of neurotransmitters, more dendrites.

Neural Plasticity:

Proliferation: Multiplying neurons, neurons are growing due to brain development

Migration: Neurons migrate due to body being able to do different things aka muscles, digestion etc.,

Circuit formation: Neurons form circuits where they are needed, used and significant.

Circuit pruning: Brain gets rid of unneeded information to keep strength.

Myelination: Allows neurons to be speedy.