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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
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