Sem 1 exam

Learning and Memory

Sensation

The detection of environmental stimuli by the sense organs and the conversion of sensory information to electrochemical energy

Perception

The mental representation that the brain creates using information detected by the senses

Reception

The detection of sensory information in the sense organs of the body by sensory receptors

Transduction

The changing of sensory information into electrochemical energy

Transmission

The movement of electrochemical energy from sensory receptors to the brain for interpreting

Attention

The mental capacity to concentrate on a specific stimulus while ignoring other stimuli

Memory

The cognitive function through which information and past experiences are actively processed, stored, and retrieved

Sensory Register

The memory store where sensory information is briefly held before decaying or transferring to the short-term store

Short-term memory

A temporary memory store for limited information received from the sensory register and long-term memory

Long-term memory

A relatively permanent memory store for a limitless amount of information that sends or receives information from the short-term store

Procedural Memory

A type of long-term memory for skills and actions that are usually difficult to explain in words

Declarative Memory

A type of long-term memory for factual information that can be expressed in words

Central Executive

A component of the working memory model responsible for coordinating slave systems and controlling attention

Hippocampus

The region located deep within each temporal lobe that plays a major role in memory and learning

Amygdala

A collection of nuclei deep within each temporal lobe that plays a role in emotional responses and modulates the fear response

Forgetting

The inability to retrieve memories

Free Recall

The retrieval of as much information as possible about a specific topic in any order

Levels of Processing Theory

The endurance and strength of long-term memories depend on the depth of cognitive processing

Elaborative Rehearsal

A rehearsal technique allowing information to be encoded into long-term memory by attaching meaning to it.

Maintenance Rehearsal

A rehearsal technique where the repetition of information allows it to be held in the short-term store of memory for a longer period of time.

Classical Conditioning

A form of learning where two normally unrelated stimuli are repeatedly linked so that the existing reflex response is elicited by the new stimuli.

Operant Conditioning

A learning process in which the likelihood of behavior being repeated is determined by the consequences of that behavior.

Law of Effect

Describes how behaviors followed by desirable consequences have a greater likelihood of being repeated, while behaviors followed by unpleasant consequences are less likely to be repeated.

Thorndike's Law of Effect

States that behaviors followed by positive outcomes are more likely to be repeated, while behaviors followed by negative outcomes are less likely to be repeated.

Skinner Box

An experimental apparatus designed by Skinner to study operant conditioning in animals, where the animal learns to associate its behavior with a reward or punishment.

Operant Conditioning

A type of learning in which behavior is strengthened if followed by reinforcement or diminished if followed by punishment.

Social Learning Theory

Bandura's theory that emphasizes the importance of observing, modeling, and imitating the behaviors, attitudes, and emotional reactions of others.

Observational Learning

Learning by observing others and imitating their behavior.

Vicarious Reinforcement

Learning that occurs by watching another person receive a reward or punishment.

Bobo Doll Experiment

Bandura's study demonstrating that children learn aggressive behavior by observing adults.

Systematic Desensitization

A therapy technique based on classical conditioning principles used to treat phobias by gradually exposing individuals to their feared stimuli.

Token Economy

A behavior modification technique using tokens or points as secondary reinforcers to encourage desired behaviors.

Primary Reinforcement

Tangible rewards given directly as a consequence of a behavior to increase the likelihood of that behavior recurring.