40 Chapter 13: Discussion Questions / Chapter Assignments

Chapter 13 questions

1. What is the etymology of the word savant? Can you think of other places in the textbook or with other concepts that a discussion of savant syndrome might be placed?
2. Would it be fair to say a concussion is a TBI but a TBI is not necessarily a concussion? Why or why not?
3. Create a table for the types of memory. Record 1-2 examples from your own life experiences for each type of memory.
4. What are the main types of memory, and how do they differ from one another and the brain regions associated with each? Give an example when you would use each type of memory. (similar to question above)
5. Compare and contrast sensitization and LTP.
6. Describe the function and locations of the special populations of neurons involved in learning and memory.
7. Explain the three main stages of memory (1-2 sentences per stage).
8. Describe how spatial memory is assessed through the Morris water maze and the radial arm maze.
9. Explain how Patient H.M.’s surgery and subsequent memory performance contributed to our understanding of the brain regions that support different types of memory.
10. Sketch and label the trisynaptic circuit of the hippocampus.
11. Compare and contrast two brain structures involved in memory.
12. Not including the hippocampus, describe two brain structures involved in memory; their role/function; and an experiment, paradigm, or model used to study that aspect of memory. (similar to question above)

Note: Most of these questions (Questions 4-12) were developed by, or with the assistance of, students in the PSYC 232 class of Winter 2025.