Exploring Neuroscience Learning and Memory Concept Map (10 pts) Higher cognition It is commonly believed that maintaining an active mind, including engaging in word games like crossword puzzles, is one way to prevent cognitive decline, such as that due to Alzheimer's. While that idea is contested (it seems learning new skills is much better than simply becoming good at crosswords), it can't hurt and can be fun! Here we'll ask you to use your new vocabulary in a different way, to think about applications and connections. Create a concept map using the 20 terms on the following page. Each term must be connected to (at least) two others by linking words/propositions. Refer to the resources on concept mapping from early in the semester for reminders. The scoring rubric below will be used and is associated with the assignment on Brightspace. Research suggests that the optimal approach for concept mapping is the C-A-P method: 1) Arrange all the concepts (terms) first 2) Draw arrows connecting the concepts where applicable 3) Add in the propositions/linking words. We suggest doing this by 1) creating a card/cutout for each term 2) moving them on top of a paper or whiteboard in an arrangement where you see associations 3) writing in your linking words and arrows 4) taking a picture of the final map However, you are welcome to use digital tools if you prefer. One free site that has been recommended by other instructors who have used this technique is https://cmap.ihmc.us/ Be sure that your term usage is relevant for this course, and based on the material covered in these class sessions on learning and memory. For example, calcium is important in neurotransmitter release as we learned in Unit 2, but here we want to focus on the role of calcium in the postsynaptic cell as it relates to LTP in the process of memory formation. Here is an example you can use or not: Contextual conditioning Is a type of Non-declarative memory Relies on activity in the hippocampus Exploring Neuroscience Declarative memory Non-declarative memory Sensory memory Short-term memory Working memory Long-term memory Consolidation Contextual conditioning Hippocampus Engram Neural network (or cell assembly) Hebbian plasticity LTP (or long-term potentiation) LTD (or long-term depression) Glutamate AMPA receptors NMDA receptors Magnesium Calcium influx Kinase Higher cognition Exploring Neuroscience Terms and accuracy Relevant concepts/terms identified Proficient 3 points Mapped all 20 given terms, no irrelevant terms Competent 1.5 points Mapped at least 10 relevant terms Novice Higher cognition Criterion Score O points Mapped fewer than 10 relevant terms /3 Relationships between concepts are meaningful and accurate All concepts are linked to at least two other concepts (one "above" and one "below" is sufficient) and show an accurate relationship that addresses the most relevant meanings of the concepts for the given topic. Most concepts are linked to at least two other concepts (one "above" and one "below" is sufficient) and show accurate relationships. They may not address the most relevant meanings of the concepts for the given topic. Most concepts are not linked to at least two other concepts or do not show accurate relationships. They may not address the most relevant meanings of the concepts for the given topic. Organization Hierarchy/organizatio n helps viewer understand how concepts relate to each other Proficient 2 points All concepts are arranged in a way that aids understanding. Competent 1 point Some concepts are arranged logically, but the arrangement is sometimes unclear. Novice O points Concepts do not appear to be grouped. Insight and legibility Proficient 1 point Competent 0.5 points Crosslinks show meaningful connections between terms Some crosslinks show insightful or creative thinking. Some crosslinks show accurate understanding of interconnections in the topics. Legibility Total All parts of the map are easy to read and connecting lines are carefully arranged to be legible. All elements of the map can be read, though some words/connections require effort to read. /3 Criterion Score /2 Criterion Score Novice O points Crosslinks are inaccurate. / 1 / 1 Much of the map is difficult to read. / 10