Learning and Memory

According to Neil Carson (2013), Learning is the process by which experiences change our nervous system and hence our behavior.

These changes that occur refers to our memories

What is learning?

There are four main types of Learning1. Perceptual Learning2. Stimulus-Response Learning3. Motor Learning4. Relational Learning

Types of Learning

This is the ability to learn or recognize stimuli that have been perceived before.

Primarily, the main function of this type of learning is the ability to identify and categorize objects and situation

Consequently, we have to learn to recognize something in order to respond effectively to it. (First part of learning is to perceive)

Perceptual Learning

This is the ability to learn to perform a particular behavior when a particular stimulus is present.

Thus it involves the establishment of connections between circuits involved in perception and those involved in movement.

Stimulus-Response Learning

Behavior can be an automatic response such as a reflex mechanism or a complicated sequence of movements that were previously learnt.

Cont’d

Classical Conditioning

Instrumental Conditioning

Categories of Stimulus-Response Learning

Discovered by Ivan Pavlov, classical conditioning emerged as a form of learning in which animals come to respond to a previously neutral stimulus that elicits an automatic response

Consequently, Classical Conditioning involves making an association between two stimuli.

Classical Conditioning

Let us know of an experience you had where classical conditioning was

evident.

Donald Hebb proposed a rule that might explain how neurons are changed by experiences that consequently causes our behavior to change.

The Hebb rule purports that if a synapse repeatedly becomes active at about the same time that the postsynaptic neurons fires, changes will take place in the structure that will strengthen it

What occurs in the Brain during Classical Conditioning?

Also termed as Operant Conditioning, Instrumental learning involves the association between a response and a consequent stimulus

Whereas classical conditioning involves automatic responses, instrumental conditioning involves learnt behaviors that is reinforced by the consequences of that behavior

Instrumental Learning

Reinforcing stimuli (Reinforcement) is a response followed by favorable consequences and as a result are more likely to occur in the future.

Punishing stimuli (Punishment) is a response followed by unfavorable consequences that is less likely to be repeated in the future.

Reinforces

Damage to the basal ganglia disrupts instrumental conditioning

Damage

Motor learning is a component of stimulus-response learning.

Evidently, Perceptual learning deals with the establishment of changes within the sensory system of the brain while stimulus-response learning is the establishment of connections between sensory systems.

Motor learning therefore is the establishment of changes within motor systems but it cannot occur without sensory guidance from the environment. For example, It involves the interaction with objects to obtain a skilled movement (A response).

Motor Learning

Relational learning involves the connection between individual stimuli.

Consequently, we can form an association between an image and a sound.

Learning about the relationship among many stimuli (Spatial Learning)

Remember sequences of events (Episodic Learning)

Viewing and recalling the actions of another person (Observational learning)

Relational Learning

This is a classification including several areas of functioning in which a person has difficulty learning in a typical manner, usually caused by an unknown factors

Learning Disorders

Dyslexia- characterized by difficulty with learning to read fluently and with accurate comprehension despite normal intelligence

Dyscalculia- is difficulty in learning or comprehending arithmetic, such as difficulty understanding numbers, learning to manipulate them and learning math facts

Dysgraphia- a deficiency in one’s ability to write, primarily in terms of handwriting but also in terms of coherence.

Types of learning Disorder