Phases of neural dvelopment
- 1. PHASES OF NEURAL DEVELOPMENT IN LEARNING Phases of Neural Development
- 2. Revision a) Identify and explain 5 key areas of the brain thought to be involved in learning (5 marks)
- 3. Why is learning important............ It is crucial to SURVIVAL
- 4. Donald Hebb (1946) Theorised that when two neurons are jointly activated they become more closely linked ‘ neurons that fire together wire together’ This creates neural pathways (neural circuits) which are an interconnected groups of neurons organised as a network that is active during the learning process
- 5. Zygote (single cell) Cells multiply They differentiate (become specialised) Cells must form relationships with cells around them - They form synapses in a process called synaptogenesis
- 6. Synaptogensis Synaptogensis occurs throughout a healthy person’s lifetime This happens rapidly from 2months before birth - 2years of age
- 7. Effects of Experience on Neural Development Genetics alone do not determine neural development Experience plays a part in neural development Hebb proposed that use of neurons improved their function ‘Use it or loose it’
- 8. Studies Supporting the Hebb idea Animals reared in the dark (Cragg, 1976) were found to have fewer synapses and fewer dendrites in their visual cortices Rats raised in a enriched environment show greater synapse formation and grater dendrite development Kandel’s research and LTP theory
- 9. What is LTP again.......... The long-lasting strengthening of synaptic connections resulting in enhanced function of neurons along a neural pathway whenever activated LTP is a crucial mechanism of learning: Learning may not be possible without it
- 10. The role of neurotransmitters in learning NT’s involved in learning: Glutamate: Strengthens connections at the synapse during learning Dopamine: May be involved through rewarding ‘pleasure’ experience. Acetylcholine: Present in some learning experiences but specific role unclear