Maguire et al

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

Examine whether structural changes could be detected in the brain of people with extensive experience in spatial navigation.

Question 2

Procedure

Answer 2

This was a quasi experiment . 16 right handed male london taxi drivers were selected. The researchers did mri scans and compared them with 50 right handed non taxi drivers.( the control group). all taxi drivers had to have done the knowledg etest in order to participate and have a license for 1.5 years. the participants varied in age. this was a single blind study

Question 3

Results

Answer 3

The researchers found that the posterior hippocampi for the taxi drivers was larger than the non taxi drivers and the anterior hippocampus vice versa. This was because there was more grey matter volume in the posterior hippocampus because of neuroplasticity. results suggested that the mental map of london was stored in the posterior hippocampus. Maguire argued that the hippocampus can change due to an environmental demand.

Question 4

Conclusion

Answer 4

Maguire concluded that extensive practice with spatial navigation affects the hippocampus. the increase of grey matter occurred supposably in response to spatial navigation.

Question 5

LINK

Answer 5

The use of control variables increases internal validity of findings. The study is replicable so has high reliabiity and vaidity. MRi was used ans is safe

Question 6

GENERAL DISCUSSION

Answer 6

Neuroplasticity, a fundamental aspect of brain function, enables the brain to reorganize itself by creating new connections between neurons and modifying existing ones. This process occurs through synaptic plasticity, which involves adjusting the strength and efficiency of synaptic connections. Structural changes, such as the growth of new dendrites and the formation of synapses, also contribute to neuroplasticity. Experience, learning, and exposure to new stimuli drive these adaptations. As neurons fire repeatedly, the associated synaptic connections strengthen, aiding in memory consolidation and skill acquisition. Neuroplasticity is not confined to a particular period; it persists throughout life, allowing the brain to continually remodel its neural networks in response to environmental demands, learning opportunities, and recovery from injury.