Lesson 3.2.3.2.2

3.2.3.2.2 Excitation, inhibition and Hebb's theory of learning and neuronal growth Quiz: AQA Psychology, Unit 7

20 questions

Written by Revision Ninja · Last reviewed 11 October 2026

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Lesson 3.2.3.2.2, Excitation, inhibition and Hebb's theory of learning and neuronal growth: 20 multiple choice questions for the AQA GCSE Psychology (8182), Unit 7: Brain and neuropsychology, written with Revision Ninja.

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The 20 questions

  1. According to Hebb, what happens to synaptic connections between co-active neurons?

    • They stay unchanged
    • They are strengthened
    • They are destroyed
    • They are weakened

  2. According to Hebb, what physical trace is created in the brain when learning occurs?

    • Schema
    • Engram
    • Genome
    • Reflex

  3. According to Hebb's theory, what physical change occurs at synapses during learning?

    • Neuronal growth
    • Axon shrinkage
    • Dendrite loss
    • Cell death

  4. What effect does an excitatory neurotransmitter have on a postsynaptic neuron?

    • Increases firing likelihood
    • Decreases firing likelihood
    • Prevents signal transmission
    • Destroys synaptic receptors

  5. What determines whether a neuron fires when receiving excitatory and inhibitory signals?

    • Neurotransmitter count only
    • Inhibitory signal only
    • Net signal strength
    • Excitatory signal only

  6. Which neurotransmitter is the main inhibitory chemical in the brain?

    • Dopamine
    • Serotonin
    • Adrenaline
    • GABA

  7. Why is a balance of excitation and inhibition needed for movement?

    • Total muscle paralysis
    • Constant muscle contraction
    • Smooth motor control
    • Rapid nerve damage

  8. According to Hebb, why does daily practice improve a motor skill?

    • Weakened neural pathways
    • Random neuron loss
    • Decreased synaptic growth
    • Strengthened neural connections

  9. According to Hebb's theory, what happens to neural connections that are rarely used?

    • They strengthen
    • They grow larger
    • They weaken
    • They multiply

  10. Why is Hebb's theory of learning described as associative?

    • Synapses break down
    • Neurons activate together
    • Signals travel backwards
    • Neurons act independently

  11. What is the primary effect of inhibition in a synapse?

    • Blocks electrical impulses
    • Reduces neuron firing
    • Increases neuron firing
    • Destroys neurotransmitters

  12. What effect does an excitatory neurotransmitter have on a post-synaptic neuron?

    • Increases firing likelihood
    • Blocks signal transmission
    • Decreases firing likelihood
    • Stops action potentials

  13. Which term describes the brain's ability to change its structure through experience?

    • Hemispheric lateralisation
    • Synaptic transmission
    • Localisation
    • Neuroplasticity

  14. According to Hebb's theory, what happens to synaptic connections when neurons repeatedly fire together?

    • They become weaker
    • They become stronger
    • They change location
    • They disappear completely

  15. What is the main purpose of neural inhibition in the nervous system?

    • Controlling signal spread
    • Maximising impulse speed
    • Increasing muscle contraction
    • Creating new neurons

  16. How does Hebb's theory explain learning a physical skill smoothly through practice?

    • Stopping synaptic transmission
    • Increasing reaction distance
    • Strengthening active connections
    • Growing extra lobes

  17. Why is Hebb's theory of learning described as 'use-dependent'?

    • Weakened through practice
    • Determined by genetics
    • Unaffected by practice
    • Strengthened through use

  18. Which neurotransmitter commonly causes excitation in the brain?

    • Serotonin
    • Melatonin
    • Glutamate
    • GABA

  19. What is the overall effect on brain activity when a drug increases inhibition?

    • Enhanced sensory perception
    • Increased neural activity
    • Reduced neural activity
    • Faster reflex speeds

  20. What unit of the nervous system changes structurally during learning according to Hebb?

    • Cell body
    • Axon terminal
    • Myelin sheath
    • Synaptic connection

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