Learning

Learning

1. Learning and the Brain

   • A process that involves changes in neural activity
     • Hebb 1966
     • Hebbian Learning Rule: Repitition of the same response lead to permanenent changes at the synapses between neurons
     • Basic Structure of neural connection
       • An impulse is tramsmitted from on neuron to another by the axon of the sending neuron. Neurotrasmitter is diffused across the synaptic gap and stimulates the receiving neuron
         • Change in the synapse is the neural basis of learning
           • Making synapse more efficient
   • Form of learning
     • Non-associative learning
       • Habituation
         • A decrease in response to a repeated stimulus  (example of the african fly)
       • Sensitization
         • An increase in response to a repeated stimulus
       • Clinical experiment
         • Kandel 1991
           • The marine slug Repeated stimuli of the gill led to weaker withdrawal response- a decrease in amount of neurotransmitter by the sensory neurons  Sensitization: WHen an electric shock is presented, the withdrawal response was more aggresive, showing a change in neuro transmission between sensory and neuro system. 
     • Associative Learning
       • Eyeblink condition
         • Change in synaptic transmission in the cerebellum
           • Thomson and Krupa (1994)
           • Long lasting decrease in synaptic transmission at the synapses in the cerebellum
         • Long term depression
       • Fear Conditioning
         • Long term potential
           • A persistent increase in synaptic transmission in the pathway that sends impulses to the amygdala

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