Blakemoore and Cooper (Cats Visual Cortex)

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

To find out the development of the visual cortex, and whether it’s properties are innate or learned

Question 2

Method

Answer 2

Laboratory experiment as there is an IV (whether the kittens were placed with horizontal or vertical stripes) and a DV (the kittens behaviour such as startle response or visual placing)

Question 3

Sample

Answer 3

Unknown however the kittens were used from birth and 2 of the kittens (one from vertical condition and one from horizontal) were used in the neuro physical effect study

Question 4

Procedure

Answer 4

Kittens were placed in a dark room from birth for 2 weeks. They were then placed in a tall cylinder with either horizontal or vertical stripes, and a wide collar for 5 hours a day. This was stopped when the kittens turned 5 months old since this was past the critical period. They were then taken into a well lit room with furniture for several hours a week. At 7.5 months the kittens were anaesthetised so neurophysiology could be examined.

Question 5

Findings

Answer 5

Kittens were initially visually impaired
Showed behavioural blindness
Guided themselves by touch and did not respond when an object was thrust towards them
Within around 10 hours they began to show startles responses and could jump from the furniture to furniture
(subjective data so could have researcher bias)
Showed that the kittens had brain plasticity as they adapted over time

Question 6

Conclusions

Answer 6

A kittens visual cortex can adapt throughout maturation
Study suggests it is our environment that affects our behaviour but it is questionable whether this can be generalised to humans.