Chapter 12: LEARNING AND MEMORY: BASIC MECHANISMS

Chapter 12 covers the basic processes of learning and memory. The opening chapter section describes the four paradigms of learning including perceptual learning, stimulus-response learning, motor learning, and relational learning. The next chapter section covers the Hebb rule and introduces long-term potentiation (LTP) as a model for learning. The next chapter section in turn consider perceptual learning classical conditioning, and instrumental conditioning/motor learning.

The final chapter section covers the concept of trauma-induced amnesia. Anterograde amnesia is related to damage to the hippocampus in humans (Patient H.M.) and rats. The functions of the hippocampus in memory are related to spatial learning, place cells and LTP.

After completing the chapter, each student should be able to

• Describe each of the four basic forms of learning including:
• Perceptual learning
• Motor learning.
• Differentiate between classical conditioning and instrumental conditioning.
• Describe the anatomy of the hippocampus.
• Describe the process for long-term potentiatioin.
• Discuss research on the physiological basis of synaptic plasticity during long-term potentiation.
• Describe research on the role of the inferior temporal cortex in visual perceptual learning.
• Discuss the physiology of the classically conditioned response to aversive stimuli
• Describe the role of the basal ganglia in instrumental conditioning and motor learning.
• Describe the role of dopamine in reinforcing brain stimulation.
• Discuss how the reinforcement system may detect reinforcing stimuli and strengthen synaptic connections.
• Describe the nature of human anterograde amnesia.
• Describe the role for the hippocampus in relation learning, including spatial learning, and discuss the function of hippocampal place cells.
• Outline a possible explanation for the role of the hippocampal formation in learning and memory.