The Applied Neurobiology of Learning
For this discussion, choose ONE of the following general types of learning:
- The Applied Neurobiology of Learning
- Sensitization, potentiation, or habituation
- Associative learning (classical conditioning OR operant conditioning, pick ONE)
- Observational learning
- Perceptual learning (changes in perceptual ability due to experience)
- Motor learning (also called procedural or implicit learning)
- Language learning
- Relational learning (also called declarative, episodic, or semantic learning)
- Fear and/or emotional learning/conditioning
- The establishment of addictive behavior (Lewis, 2018, recommended resource)
- Habit learning or a different form of learning of your choice
Step 2: Search Tips
To find information on your topic, use the required and recommended course materials for examples, or search for newly published research on the neurobiology, neuroscience, or cognitive neuroscience of “(insert choice here).”
Step 3: Write Your Post
Please answer the following four required questions and you are encouraged to try one or both of the OPTIONAL challenge questions:
- For your chosen type of learning, define it and explain why it interests you or why it is important to study.
- Describe its physiology, including which regions of the nervous system are involved and what physically happens in these regions during learning.
- You may write this out as a description or if you prefer, draw and label the relevant parts of the nervous system or create a diagram or flow chart that shows the relevant regions of the brain and potential connections (optional).
- If you decide to create a diagram, drawing, or flow chart, you can use tools such as Google Drawing (Links to an external site.), Canva: Create Designs (Links to an external site.), Microsoft Word Shapes (Links to an external site.), or a tool of your choice.
- Explain how you might use this information to guide your own lifelong learning, behavior, or understanding of others.
- Explain if or how your chosen learning mechanism relates to human diversity or cultural differences.
- For example, operant and classical conditioning happen to everyone because these types of learning are inherent functions of the nervous system. However, the specific conditioning people get varies with their social and physical environments in childhood and across the life span.
- OPTIONAL Challenge Question 1: Explain some of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of learning and memory (e.g., long-term potentiation, the role of NMDA and AMPA receptors, etc.). If the article you found mentions cellular or molecular changes, describe those and explain how they influence your chosen type of learning.
- OPTIONAL Challenge Question 2: Explain how technology affects a type of learning of your choice and support with evidence.
Answer preview for The Applied Neurobiology of Learning
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