University:
California State University, Northridge
Course:
PSY 105 | Sports Psychology
Academic year:

2023
Views:

304

Pages:

2
Author:

Jithin J. I.

NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL FORMS OF LEARNING IN SPORTS I. Introduction  This lecture explores neurophysiological mechanisms of learning.  It delves into Hebbian learning, supervised learning, and reward learning.  Understanding how our brains adapt through these processes is crucial for comprehending complex learning and behavior. II. Hebbian Learning A. Cortex and Synaptic Strengthening  Hebbian learning is proposed as the learning mechanism for the cortex.  It follows the principle: "What fires together, wires together."  When neuron A excites neuron B, and B forms action potentials, the synapse from A to B is strengthened.  This strengthens the association, making it more likely for A to excite B in the future. B. Specialized Forms   Cerebellum: Supervised Learning  Involves creating a forward model predicting action outcomes.  Compares actual movement with the model, identifying spatial and temporal deviations.  Adjustments are made based on deviations, facilitating learning and adaptation.  Sensory and motor skills are associated, allowing anticipation of movements. Basal Ganglia: Reward Learning  Occurs in the mesolimbic system.  Dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain project to motivation-related brain areas.  These neurons continuously release dopamine.  Dopamine activity increases with rewards and when stimuli predict rewards.  Neural activity drops if expected rewards are not received (negative prediction error).  Repeated sensory-motor pairings create strong links between perception, action, and expected outcomes.