Human Learning & Memory

Siena Heights UniversityChapters 1 & 2

Dr. S.Talbot

Chapter 1 – Perspectives on Learning

Why is learning important?

Definition of learning:a ______-term change in mental ________ or representations as a result of ________.

The role of behavior in learning.◦New behaviors◦Frequency of behaviors◦Speed of behaviors◦Complexity or intensity◦Changing behaviors

Principles (the what) : describe factors that result in effects.◦Fairly stable for similar circumstances.

Theories (the why): explain the relationship between factors and effects.◦Based on data.◦Not facts.◦Change based upon information and perspective.

Chapter 1 – Perspectives on Learning

Evolution of Theories◦Structuralism (Wundt)◦Functionalism (Dewey)◦Behaviorism (Watson) early 1900s◦Social Learning Theories (Miller & Dollard)◦Gestalt (1920s)◦Cognitive Psychology (Piaget)◦Social Cognitive◦Sociocultural Theory

Chapter 1 – Perspectives on Learning

1800s

Mid to late 20th century

Advantages of theories◦Summarize or describe.◦Starting points for conducting new research.◦Explain.◦Provide the ability to predict outcomes.◦Allow for practical application in order to

necessitate change.

Sound familiar?

Chapter 1 – Perspectives on Learning

Dangers or drawbacks to theories◦No single theory works for everything.◦Past theories affect or bias new theories.

They can impede new thinking.

Biggest danger.◦They are not ______. Give them their rightful

credit, but nothing more.

Chapter 2 –Learning & the brain

Chapter 2

Chapter 2 –Learning & the brain

Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain and spinal cord Peripheral Nervous System: All parts of the nervous system

outside of the brain and spinal cord◦ Somatic System: Links spinal cord with body and sense

organs; controls voluntary behavior

◦ Autonomic System: Serves internal organs and glands; controls _________ functions such as heart rate and blood pressure

Two Divisions of the Autonomic System

Sympathetic: Arouses body; emergency system Parasympathetic: Quiets body; most active after an emotional event

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTwASnQ3S6Y&feature=PlayList&p=1DCEF0B65626C64B&playnext=1&index=8

Neuron and Its Parts

Neuron: Individual nerve cell◦ Dendrites: Receive messages from other neurons◦ Soma: Cell body; body of the neuron◦ Axon: Fiber that carries information away from the

cell body◦ Axon Terminals: Branches that link the dendrites and

somas of other neurons

Nerves and Neurons

Nerves: Large bundles of axons and dendrites (Not neurons)

Myelin: Fatty layer of tissue that coats axons◦ Multiple Sclerosis (MS) occurs when myelin layer is

destroyed; numbness, weakness, and paralysis occur Neurogenesis: Production of new brain cells

Chapter 2 –Learning& the brain

Sensory Neurons- bring incoming messages from sensory sites.

Interneurons – consider & interpret the information which has been received.

Motor Neurons – send messages concerning the appropriate response.

Glial Cells – White Matter (the stuff in between)

Synapses Messages from one neuron to another pass over a

microscopic gap called a synapse◦ Synapse: Microscopic gap between two neurons over

which messages pass

Chapter 2 –Learning& the brain

Neurotransmitters Chemicals that alter activity in neurons; Brain chemicals

that carry messages.◦ Acetylcholine: Activates muscles◦ Dopamine: Muscle control◦ Serotonin: Mood and appetite control

Neural Peptides: Regulate activity of other neurons◦ Endorphins: Released by pituitary gland; also help to

relieve pain ◦ Do not _____ messages.

Chapter 2 –Learning& the brain

Methods for brain research◦Animals◦Postmortem Studies◦Case studies of people with brain injuries◦Electrical recording (EEG)◦Neuroimaging

PET CT/CAT SPECT MRI fMRI

This simplified drawing shows the main structures of the human brain and describes some of their most important features. (You can use the color code in the foreground to identify which areas are part of the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain.)

Subcortex

Hindbrain (Brainstem)◦ Medulla: Connects brain with the spinal cord and controls

vital life functions such as heart rate and breathing◦ Pons (Bridge): Acts as a bridge between medulla and

other structures Influences sleep and arousal

◦ Cerebellum: Located at base of brain Regulates posture, muscle tone, and muscular

coordination

Subcortex: Reticular Formation (RF)

Lies inside medulla and brainstem◦ Associated with alertness, attention and some reflexes

(breathing, coughing, sneezing, vomiting) Reticular Activating System (RAS): Part of RF that keeps the

cortex active and alert Its alarm clock

Parts of the limbic system. Although only one side is shown here, the hippocampus and the amygdala extend out into the temporal lobes at each side of the brain. The limbic system is a sort of “primitive core” of the brain strongly associated with emotion.

Cerebral Cortex

Definition: Outer layer of the cerebrum Cerebrum: Two large hemispheres that cover upper part of

the brain Corticalization: Increase in size and wrinkling of the cortex Cerebral Hemispheres: Right and left halves of the cortex

Corpus Callosum: Bundle of fibers connecting cerebral hemispheres

Chapter 2 –Learning& the brain

Brain Development◦Prenatal (5th – 20th week, 50k – 100k per

second).◦Infancy and childhood

Mylenation Synaptic Pruning Synaptogenesis Differentiation

◦Middle Childhood, Adolescence, and Adulthood

Chapter 2 –Learning& the brain

Factors Affecting Brain Development◦Heredity◦Environmental factors◦Experiences

Critical Periods◦Plasticity

Chapter 2 –Learning& the brain

Educational Implications◦Loss of synapse is inevitable and desirable.◦Many environments nurture normal brain

development (enriching v. depriving).◦The early years are important for learning.◦No such thing as teaching to the right brain or left

brain.◦Critical periods are important but are not

definitive.◦Brain research can help us, but can’t/won’t tell us

everything.

Chapter 2 –Learning& the brain

Questions & Discussion

Next Class◦Applied Behavior Analysis◦Instructional Objectives◦Computer Assisted – Instruction ◦Mastery Learning & PSI