Memory and Learning Concepts
48 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is a primary function of the visual system in relation to memory?

  • To enhance the details of every visual experience.
  • To only activate the same cells repeatedly.
  • To maintain all visual information without filtering.
  • To provide a simplified account of relevant information. (correct)

What can be a result of brain fog experienced after COVID-19 recovery?

  • Enhanced cognitive clarity and rapid thinking.
  • Confusion and slow thinking. (correct)
  • Increased ability to concentrate.
  • Improved memory formation for visual stimuli.

Which statement best describes Alzheimer’s disease?

  • It is reversible and can be cured.
  • It occurs equally in all age groups without genetic influence.
  • It affects 50 percent of people over the age of 85. (correct)
  • It primarily impacts the ability to learn new procedural skills.

What genetic factor is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease?

<p>APOE gene found in chromosome 21. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do individuals with Alzheimer’s disease typically learn skills?

<p>They learn procedural skills better than factual information. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What common factor plays a major role in the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease?

<p>Genetic influence and family history. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of Alzheimer's disease?

<p>Enhanced memory recall. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact does type 2 diabetes have in relation to Alzheimer’s disease?

<p>It increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What principle suggests that all parts of the cortex contribute equally to functioning behaviors?

<p>Equipotentiality (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure was identified as central for classical conditioning according to Richard F. Thompson's research?

<p>Lateral interpositus nucleus (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What tends to be true for individuals with greater left hemisphere activity in the frontal and temporal cortex?

<p>They exhibit greater happiness and extroversion. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does research suggest about the relationship between language and intelligence?

<p>Normal intelligence can coexist with language deficits. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of mass action indicate about the role of the cortex?

<p>More cortex involvement leads to better performance. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a key assumption Lashley made regarding the cerebral cortex?

<p>It's primarily responsible for storing all engrams. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the language acquisition device proposed by Chomsky and Pinker?

<p>It is essentially a built-in mechanism for acquiring language. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does damage to the cerebellum have on conditioned responses?

<p>It hampers conditioned responses requiring precise timing. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What evidence supports the notion that language can develop without formal teaching?

<p>Deaf people are observed to invent sign languages among themselves. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did temporarily deactivating the lateral interpositus nucleus affect learning in rabbits?

<p>It prevented any indication of recent training. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structural change in humans has facilitated language development?

<p>Modification of the larynx structure. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What hypothesis exists regarding the sensitive period for language learning?

<p>Early language exposure can prevent permanent impairment. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Lashley's experiments reveal about maze learning and visual discrimination?

<p>They require different parts of the brain. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a factor that may have influenced the evolution of language?

<p>Extended childhood dependency and social interactions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major limitation of Lashley's research assumptions on learning?

<p>He assumed all learning is equivalent. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the major symptoms of major depressive disorder?

<p>Frequent feelings of sadness and helplessness (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way do children typically excel compared to adults when learning a new language?

<p>In pronunciation and unfamiliar grammatical structures. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does oxytocin have regarding social cues?

<p>Intensifies existing relationships (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which brain areas are associated with the evaluation of possible rewards?

<p>Prefrontal cortex (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of empathy is influenced both biologically and culturally?

<p>Expression of empathy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is less reliable in diagnosing major depressive disorder?

<p>Increased sadness (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does frontotemporal dementia affect people's interest in others?

<p>Exhibits little interest in how others perceive them (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does research suggest about the heritability of depression?

<p>It is influenced by at least 17 genetic variants (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does looking at loved ones have on brain activity?

<p>Activates areas associated with reward (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What part of the brain is severely affected in Alzheimer's disease, crucial for forming new memories?

<p>Hippocampus (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are neurofibrillary tangles primarily made of?

<p>Tau proteins (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In individuals with Alzheimer's, what happens to the ventricles in the brain?

<p>They grow larger (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is most consistently linked to memory processes in Alzheimer's disease?

<p>Acetylcholine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of enzymatic buildup is referred to as 'cellular trash' in the context of Alzheimer's disease?

<p>Neuritic plaques (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where do neurofibrillary tangles disproportionately appear in the brain affected by Alzheimer's disease?

<p>Temporal and parietal areas (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the experience of not remembering much from the first few years of life?

<p>Infantile amnesia (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of brain changes in Alzheimer's can be detected years before any clinical diagnosis?

<p>Neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What area of the brain is responsible for monitoring confidence in decision-making?

<p>Ventromedial prefrontal cortex (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain acts as the 'scorekeeper' for clicks heard by the rat?

<p>Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism is primarily involved in evaluating new information against habitual decisions?

<p>Ventromedial prefrontal cortex (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does oxytocin have on men viewing photos of their significant others?

<p>It enhances the perception of attractiveness of their partners. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What behavior is observed in men after being given oxytocin in relation to attractive women?

<p>They stand further away from attractive women. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the orbitofrontal cortex?

<p>To compare expected rewards to alternative choices. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a noted consequence of damage to the orbitofrontal cortex?

<p>Poor or impulsive decision-making. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the relationship between gut bacteria and cognition?

<p>Certain gut bacteria can produce inflammation that impairs cognition. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Equipotentiality

The theory that all parts of the cortex contribute equally to complex behaviors.

Mass action

The principle that the cortex works as a whole and more cortex is better for learning.

Engram

A physical change in the brain that represents a memory.

Lashley's assumption about studying one example of learning

The idea that studying one type of learning is representative of all learning.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Lateral interpositus nucleus (LIP)

A brain structure involved in classical conditioning, particularly the eyeblink response.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Deactivation

The temporary disabling of a brain area using techniques like cooling or drugs.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Red Nucleus

A brain structure responsible for coordinating movements, including those learned through conditioning.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Learning may occur before or after changes in an area.

The idea that learning occurs in a particular area of the brain, even if changes in other areas might be observed.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Prefrontal Cortex (scorekeeping)

A brain region involved in keeping track of which side has more clicks or reward during a decision-making task.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Basal Ganglia (habitual learning)

A brain region that gradually learns which choice has a higher payoff based on past experiences.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex (new information)

A brain region that modifies the responses of the basal ganglia based on the most recent information and evaluates new information in relation to habitual decisions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Orbitofrontal Cortex (reward comparison)

A brain region associated with comparing expected rewards to other possible choices and is involved in decision-making.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Oxytocin (love hormone)

A hormone that stimulates contractions of the uterus during childbirth, breast milk production, and promotes maternal behavior, social bonding, and pair bonding.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hippocampus (love activation)

A brain region activated when viewing photos of loved ones.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Inflammatory Gut Bacteria

A type of bacteria in the gut that can contribute to inflammation, impair cognitive function, and increase the risk of psychological and neurological disorders.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Heart Rate Variability (decision-making)

The variability in heart rate, especially in situations of risk and uncertainty, is associated with better decision-making.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Left Hemisphere Activity and Personality

The left hemisphere of the brain, specifically the frontal and temporal cortex, is associated with a higher level of happiness and extroversion.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Right Hemisphere Activity and Personality

The right hemisphere of the brain, particularly the frontal and temporal lobes, is linked to more introverted, cautious, and emotionally sensitive individuals.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Gesture-Based Language Evolution

The theory posits that human language evolved from early forms of nonverbal communication, including gestures, facial expressions, and postures.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Gestures and Language Acquisition

Children's ability to communicate effectively using gestures is a strong predictor of when they will start speaking.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Brain-Based Language Theories

The idea that language is a product of the brain's overall development and has evolved as a specialized function.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Language Deficits Despite Normal Intelligence

Even individuals with normal intelligence and a fully developed brain can have serious language impairments.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Genetic Influence on Language Development

A specific gene can significantly hinder language development in individuals who possess it, despite their normal intelligence.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Age and Second Language Learning

The ability to learn a second language varies significantly with age. While adults are better at memorizing vocabulary, children excel at learning pronunciation and grammatical nuances.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Tau Protein

A protein involved in neurofibrillary tangles, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Its accumulation disrupts communication between neurons, damages mitochondria, and triggers immune cells to attack brain cells.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Neuronal Degeneration in Alzheimer's

The gradual deterioration of brain cells that occurs in Alzheimer's disease. This loss is characterized by the death of neurons and the shrinking of the brain.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Neurofibrillary Tangles

These abnormal accumulations of proteins occur inside brain cells. They are composed of tangled tau proteins and are a defining feature of Alzheimer's disease.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Senile Plaques (Amyloid Plaques)

These are clusters of protein fragments, specifically beta-amyloid, that accumulate outside brain cells. They are another hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Acetylcholine (Ach) and Alzheimer's

A neurotransmitter heavily implicated in memory processes. Its levels are often reduced in Alzheimer's disease, contributing to memory impairments.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Early Childhood Amnesia

The inability to recall memories from the first few years of life, a common human experience. It is not considered a disorder.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hippocampus and Memory

The brain regions involved in memory formation. The hippocampus shrinks significantly in Alzheimer's disease, contributing to severe memory problems.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cerebral Cortex and Alzheimer's

The outer layer of the brain responsible for higher cognitive functions like language, thinking, and planning. It shrinks in Alzheimer's, impacting these crucial abilities.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Alzheimer's Disease

Loss of memory, often occurring in old age. It affects 50% of people over 85 and 5% of people 65-74.

Signup and view all the flashcards

APOE Gene

A gene on chromosome 21 linked to Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline. People with Down syndrome (trisomy 21) often develop dementia.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Anterograde Amnesia

The inability to form new memories. Affects the formation of new visual memories.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Partial Amnesia

Forgetfulness specifically limited to certain aspects of memory. Examples include forgetting visual details.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Procedural Memory

Remembering how to do something, like riding a bike. People with Alzheimer's can learn procedural skills better than declarative facts.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Retrograde Amnesia

The inability to recall past events, like your childhood or specific personal events.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Visual System Coding

The brain's simplification process of visual information, discarding unnecessary details.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cognitive Decline

The gradual deterioration of cognitive abilities, often associated with aging. It affects various aspects of memory, including factual and procedural skills, and can also lead to changes in behavior and personality.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Oxytocin and Empathy

The neurochemical oxytocin, often referred to as the 'love hormone,' plays a key role in social bonding and empathy. It amplifies our attention to social cues and strengthens pre-existing relationships. However, research on its direct effect on empathy is ongoing as studies have conflicting results.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Empathy: A Shared Brain Network

Our brains are wired for empathy. A network of neurons in the prefrontal cortex, similar to the 'theory of mind' area in humans, responds strongly to social interactions in monkeys. This suggests that empathy and social understanding are deeply rooted in our evolution.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Empathy: Biology vs. Environment

While empathy is influenced by both biological and environmental factors, some people are naturally more empathetic than others. This is partly due to genetics. For instance, individuals with frontotemporal dementia often lose the ability to empathize because of degeneration in brain regions responsible for social cognition and emotional understanding.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Love and the Brain's Reward System

Seeing images of loved ones activates brain areas associated with reward and pleasure, similar to the effects of addictive drugs. This highlights the powerful role of love and social connection in our brain chemistry.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Major Depressive Disorder

Major depressive disorder is characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in things that were once enjoyable. Other symptoms include fatigue, worthlessness, suicidal thoughts, sleep disturbances, and cognitive impairments.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Depression: Lack of Happiness

The absence of happiness is a more reliable symptom of depression than an increase in sadness. People with depression commonly experience a diminished ability to experience pleasure and find joy in life.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Depression and Sleep Issues

Depression often manifests in sleep problems, which usually occur before mood changes. This suggests that disrupted sleep patterns can be an early indicator of the condition.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Genetics and Depression

Genetic factors play a role in depression. Studies have identified multiple genes linked to the disorder, each with a small effect. This suggests that depression is influenced by a combination of genetic predispositions and environmental factors.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Memory and Learning

  • The hippocampus plays a crucial role in forming new long-term memories, while the striatum is essential for forming habits.
  • The case of H.M., a patient with hippocampus damage, demonstrated the importance of the hippocampus for memory formation, and a lack of episodic memory.
  • Declarative memory (explicit) involves conscious recollection, unlike procedural memory (implicit) which doesn't require conscious awareness.
  • H.M.'s case highlighted a distinction between semantic (factual) and episodic (personal experience) memories.
  • Damage to the hippocampus leads to impaired episodic memory formation and difficulties with recalling personal experiences, while leaving semantic memory largely intact.

Hemispheric Specialization

  • The left and right hemispheres of the brain have different functions, with some exceptions such as controlling the facial muscles.
  • The left hemisphere is generally dominant in language processing, whereas the right hemisphere is more involved in spatial tasks.
  • The corpus callosum facilitates communication between the two hemispheres.
  • Damage to the corpus callosum can result in communication deficits.

Emotion and Stress

  • Emotions trigger specific physiological responses, mediated by the autonomic nervous system.
  • Stress activates a general response called the general adaptation syndrome (GAS), consisting of three stages: alarm, resistance and exhaustion.
  • Stress can affect memory and behavior, and prolonged stress can even weaken the immune system.
  • The hippocampus and the amygdala are key structures in processing emotions and memory consolidation due to emotional significance.
  • Emotional states often influence decisions and memories.

Brain Plasticity

  • The brain's ability to adapt and change throughout life is called plasticity.
  • During development, neurons continuously form new connections and modify existing ones.
  • Environmental experiences and learning can influence brain structure and function.
  • Neurons can adapt by altering the release or reception of neurotransmitters.
  • Damaged parts of the brain may compensate for the loss of function through plasticity.

Memory Failure and Improvement

  • Lashley's research suggested that memory is distributed throughout the brain, rather than stored in a specific location, contrary to the idea of the engram.
  • Later research identified the cerebellum as a vital site for forming procedural memories.
  • Various factors and experiences impair memory, for instance, stress, emotional state, inadequate sleep and insufficient focus.

Language Evolution

  • Human language is complex and unique, distinguished by its capacity for generativity (creating new sentences from existing knowledge) and productivity.
  • The structure and function of the brain, including specific neural networks in the language areas, facilitate language development and use.
  • Critical periods during development may support the acquisition of language more effectively compared to later in life.
  • In language learning, the brain's plasticity plays a role in both the acquisition and utilization of multiple languages.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Biopsychology Final PDF

Description

Explore the crucial roles of the hippocampus and striatum in memory formation and habit learning. Understand the distinction between declarative and procedural memory through notable case studies like that of H.M. This quiz delves into the complexities of memory, including semantic and episodic types, as well as hemispheric specialization.

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser