Hebb's theory

• Hebb's theory

  • The brain never stops growing
  • As we learn new information, the brain physically changes
• What does Hebb believe?

  • When we learn new info, it creates new connections between neurons in the brain
  • When we use synaptic connections more frequently, they become stronger
• Plasticity

  • The brain can adapt, change and form new connections as we learn with anything we are learning
• Engrams

  • Learning leaves a temporary trace in our brain (engram)
  • Trace can be made permanent with rehearsal
• Cell assemblies

  • When learning, groups of neurons (cell assemblies) fire together and make strong synaptic connections.
  • Leaves behind a more efficient brain
• Evaluation of Hebb's theory (1)

  • Strength
  • Scientific. Hebb used brain scans and factual research.
  • Factual research can be hard to disprove
  • His research is objective
• Evaluation of Hebb's theory (2)

  • Strength
  • Has real-life application
  • We can use the idea of plasticity to practice so we can improve
  • We can use the theory in everyday-life