Biological Rhythm, Learning, Memory, and Development

These flashcards cover essential topics related to biological rhythms, learning theories, memory processes, and developmental psychology.

Biological Rhythm

Natural cycles of physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a daily, monthly, or seasonal pattern.

Circadian Rhythm

The 24-hour cycle that regulates various biological processes, including sleep and wakefulness.

SCN (Suprachiasmatic Nucleus)

A small region in the hypothalamus responsible for controlling circadian rhythms.

REM Sleep

Rapid Eye Movement sleep, a phase of sleep characterized by rapid movement of the eyes, increased brain activity, and vivid dreams.

Classical Conditioning

A learning process that creates an association between a naturally occurring stimulus and a previously neutral stimulus.

Habituation

A decrease in response to a stimulus after repeated presentations.

Operant Conditioning

A method of learning that occurs through rewards and punishments for behavior.

Primacy Effect

The tendency to remember the first items in a list better than those in the middle.

Recency Effect

The tendency to remember the most recent items in a list better than those that came before.

Implicit Memory

A type of memory that does not require conscious thought; it is automatic.

Explicit Memory

A type of memory that requires conscious thought, such as recalling facts or events.

Metamemory

An individual’s understanding and awareness of their own memory capabilities.

Nature vs Nurture

The debate over the relative contributions of genetics (nature) and environment and learning (nurture) to human development.

Genes

The basic physical and functional unit of heredity, made up of DNA.

Zygote

The initial cellular structure formed when a sperm cell fertilizes an egg cell.

Schema

A mental framework that helps organize and interpret information.

Zone of Proximal Development

The difference between what a learner can do without help and what they can achieve with guidance and encouragement from a skilled partner.

Scaffolding

Support given to a learner that is tailored to their needs with the intention of helping them achieve a deeper level of understanding and independence.

Cognitive Development

How a person's thinking and understanding develops over their life span.

Vygotsky

A psychologist who emphasized the role of social interaction and culture in cognitive development.