Draginski (2004)

Question 1

Aim:

Answer 1

To investigate if learning a new skill (in this case juggling) would impact the brains of the participants.

Question 2

Participants

Answer 2

24 volunteers aged 20-24

Question 3

Procedure

Answer 3

Before the test had begun a baseline MRI scan was done on all the participants of their grey matter and brain structure. The participants were then split into two equal groups, the jugglers, and the non jugglers. The jugglers were instructed to master a juggling routine which when they did had to notify the researchers where they would then have a 2nd MRI scan. They were then told to stop juggling for 3 months which they would then have a 3rd MRI scan. The non jugglers servers as a baseline throughout the whole study.

Question 4

Results

Answer 4

Using Voxel Based Morphormetry, the MRI scans of the participants were then measured, to determine grey matter density. In the first MRI scan there was no significant difference between the two groups, however after the 2nd MRI scan the mid temporal area of both hemispheres (an area associated with visual memory) was significantly denser and larger in grey matter compared to the non jugglers. After 3 months of not juggling however, the grey matter in these areas then had decreased significantly. There was no substantial difference in the non juggler group throughout this study.