Lifespan changes

Question 1

What can children learn easier than adults and what are these?

Answer 1

Visuo-motor skills (e.g. sports, instruments) and language (won’t be fluent if learnt after 8 years old)

Question 2

What can children not master at all?

Answer 2

Cognitive functions like abstract concepts like international law, self-control, time perception and planning e.g. consequences

Question 3

Describe ageing over the lifespan

Answer 3

Cortex/subcortical structures atrophy, death of neurons, loss of synaptic connections, decreased mental flexibility and decrease in mental capacity.

Question 4

What are the ways ageing can be minimised? (3)

Answer 4

Grow up in environment that is interesting, varied and stimulating. Practice different skills, remain physically + mentally active

Question 5

Why is decline less severe for those with higher education?

Answer 5

More active, better stimulated brain with more connections so can afford to lose some.

Question 6

When does the critical period begin and end?

Answer 6

Begins when critical structures are in place and ends when required structural changes are no longer possible.

Question 7

What is the last part of the nervous system to mature?

Answer 7

The frontal lobes

Question 8

Describe Phineas Gage

Answer 8

Damage to frontal lobes. Personality change but recovery of social skills and cognitive control.

Question 9

What happens when someone has a stroke?

Answer 9

Neuron death due to a lack of oxygen and glucose due to a blocked blood vessel.

Question 10

Define phantom sensation

Answer 10

From stimulation of body parts with adjacent cortical representation