2.1 and 2.2: Localisation and Neuroplasticity Flashcards
Localization
the idea that every behavior is associated with a specific brain region
Strict Localization
the idea that there is a clear correspondence between psychological functions and brain areas, and that all functions can be clearly mapped onto the brain
Weak Localization
the idea that one brain area may be responsible for a function, but not exclusively, and other areas may also take over the function
Aim- Maguire (2000)
investigate how the brain structure of london taxi drivers is different from the average brain
Method - Maguire (2000)
Quasi-experiment (comparison of two pre-existing groups); correlational study in the part where driving experience was correlated with grey matter volume. MRI was used to measure the variables.
Participant- Maguire (2000)
16 right handed male taxi drivers, average experience as a taxi driver was 14.3 years
Control group- 50 healthy right-handed male subjects who do not drive a taxi
Procedure- Maguire (2000)
MRI scans (3D image generated to demonstrate density of grey matter) were compared between drivers and non-drivers
Results- Maguire (2000)
Taxi drivers had increased grey matter in the posterior hippocampus compared to the control group subjects (non-taxi drivers)
Control subjects had increased grey matter volume in the anterior hippocampus.
Conclusion- Maguire (2000)
redistribution of grey matter in the hippocampus occurs in taxi drivers in response to gaining navigational experience
the posterior hippocampus is known to be involved in using previously learned spatial information, while anterior hippocampus is known to be responsible for learning new spatial information
Aim - HM (1966)
better understand the effects that the surgery had had on patient HM.
Method- HM (1966)
Longitudinal case study, Neurosurgeon, Dr. Scoville, performed a experimental surgery taking out most of the hippocampus and tissue from the medial temporal lobes of HM who suffered anterograde amnesia
Results - HM (1966)
the hippocampus wasn’t the site of memory storage, but the site where it turns short term to long term memories
Conclusion - HM (1966)
HM strongly affirms the idea of localization of function in the brain
-asserting that the function of organization of memory is localized in the hippocampus
Aim- Draganski et al. (2004)
investigate whether structural changes in the brain would occur in response to practicing a simple juggling routine
Method- Draganski et al. (2004)
Mixed Design measures, participants (who have no prior experience of juggling) was randomly divided into two groups: jugglers and non-jugglers
Jugglers spent 3 months learning a classic juggling routine with 3 balls followed by 3 months in which they were instructed to stop practicing. Participants in the control group never practiced juggling.
3 brain scans (MRI) were performed in both groups: one before the start of the experient, one after three months, one after six months