Neuroplasticity Flashcards
Rephrase what neuroplasticity means
how the brain changes in response to learning and the environment
What do psychologists believe in the biological approach
believes that our cognitions, emotions and behaviours are products of the anatomy and physiology of our nervous and endocrine systems
what do they not believe in
they do not believe that these systems operate in isolation from the surrounding environment
How does neuroplasticity work
when we learn something, neurons connect to form new circuits
How are new circuits formed
formed from dendritic branching as dendrites of the neuron grows and connects with other neurons
What is often seen in patients recovering from brain injury
neuroplasticity causes brain activity associated with a given function to move to a different location
What is environmental stimulation?
Environmental stimulation is how our surroundings provide experiences that engage our brains, such as social interactions and learning opportunities.
How does a stimulating environment affect the brain?
Studies show that being in an engaging environment strengthens the brain by increasing neural connections and synapses.
How does this relate to neuroplasticity?
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to adapt and grow by forming new connections. A stimulating environment supports this process by encouraging the brain to build and strengthen neural pathways.
how it links to maguire 2000
- show how neuroplasticity changes the brain greatly based on how one uses it
duration being taxi driver –> enuroplaticity
the longer the experience as a taxi driver, the larger the volume of the posterior hippocampus ( storing spatial memory)
What does a larger posterior hippocampus suggest
- ability to store spatial memory
- implying that new neural connections and brain structures develop throughout a person’s life in response to environmental demands
