Learning and Memory
Volledige vakbeschrijving
We continuously learn throughout our lives. At school, we learn to read and do sums. We also learn to cycle at around the same age. Later on in our lives, we learn how to drive a car or motorcycle. This knowledge and these skills are stored in our brain, from where it can be retrieved for later use. But how does this actually work? During this course, we will look at cognitive aspects of learning, remembering, applying knowledge and forgetting. We will start by discussing topics such as conditioning (known as associative learning), and how this is regulated in the brain. Next, a number of essential memory processes will be covered, namely encoding, storage and retrieval. These processes will be approached from different theoretical perspectives. Extensive attention will also be paid to the process of forgetting and various tricks that may help to remember things more efficiently by improving the storage of information. This could involve making up a story when learning words, rather than simply repeating them. It really helps! The neurobiological aspects of learning and memory will be discussed too. How is information stored in the brain and where? How do you measure this? Our knowledge of learning and memory is then applied to a number of subjects, such as learning texts and differences between lots of practice and talent. Finally, we will look at the effects of ageing and the influence of brain damage on learning and memory.
Doelstellingen van dit vak
Knowledge about: Classical and operant conditioning, types of memory and models of memory, changes to the brain after learning, forgetting vs. mnemonics, anatomy of memory, memory and ageing, differences between study methods, learning texts, talent or lots of practice.
Aanbevolen literatuur
An e-reader has been compiled. Relevant textbooks can be consulted in the learning and resource centre.