Memory and Learning - Vocabulary (Lecture 1)

A. Neural Development

  • Nervous system = Neurons & supporting cells
  • Neurons: excitable cells that transmit electrical signals
  • Synapse: junction where a neuron sends a chemical signal to another cell
  • Presynaptic: terminal of the sending neuron
  • Postsynaptic: receiving cell
  • Neuron development: occurs before birth; brain development and growth
  • Genetics determines basic structure of the nervous system via:
    • Gene Expression — HOW your DNA is used
    • Signal Transduction — WHEN expression occurs

B. Neuronal plasticity

  • After birth, brain can modify connections based on experiences
  • Neuronal plasticity = modifications occur after birth
  • Connections remodeled by experiences; activity-dependent
  • End result: long-lasting changes in brain called memories
  • Neurons increase connections as you learn
  • The amount of activity at synapses tells the brain what is important
  • New experiences create connections/memories
  • Practicing memories tells brain WHAT is important

C. Types of Memory

  • Process: encoding, storage, retrieval (recalled)
  • Learning = use of memories to reduce likelihood of a negative outcome
  • Memory and learning are NOT the same
  • Types:
    • Sensory memory: what you experience; attention → next stage
    • Short-term memory (STM) aka working memory: what you are aware of NOW; held briefly; 7±27 \pm 2 items
    • Long-term memory: permanent connections in brain
  • How to get info into LTM?
    1. Repeating info
    2. Use Chunking
    3. Mnemonic devices
    4. Self referencing
    5. Prepare to teach the material
    6. Spacing (distributed practice)
  • Use of information is a sorting process:
    • Used = Important = Retained
    • Not used = Unimportant = Discarded (no new connections)
  • Encoding = translate info from outside into something our brain understands
  • Retrieval = bring stored memory from LTM to STM
  • Organizers: Facilitate information going to LTM

D. Long Term Potentiation

  • Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) = persistent strengthening of the synapse based on activity
  • LTP is NOT a type of memory; it is a process in the brain
  • LTP is a physical change involving proteins and neurons; essential for learning
  • LTP enhances the ability to retrieve and use memories by strengthening synaptic connections