Neuroplasticity (Maguire)

Question 1

Introduction (Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to adapt/change due to…)

Answer 1

Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to adapt/change physically due to experience (environmental changes, learning, practice, etc.), e.g. through changes in neural connections (grey matter/density of synaptic connections, strengthening/weakening of synapses, etc.), and functions (changes in activity, changing ability).

When learning something new, dendritic branching occurs: growth of connections in dendrites that create more grey matter (more memory, more storage capacity, more retrieval potential).

Research suggests that the brain is not static, and neural networks form through the making of synaptic connections or neural branching.

Question 2

How does this occur - explain?

Answer 2

• The process by which neural networks are formed is called NEUROPLASTICITY - your answer should include that statement.
• Neural networks are formed when a neuron or set of neurons are repeatedly stimulated. The development of neural networks is both genetic and environmentally influenced.

In order to “explain” formation, you need to be talking on a cellular level - when a neuron is stimulated, an action potential (electrical charge) travels down the axon and fires (frequently releasing neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft) through the synapse at the dendrites of the next neuron.

Dendritic branching: (growth) occurs with the repeated firing of neurons which increases the number of synapses available for the behavior, thus creating more grey matter (more memory, more storage capacity, more retrieval potential).

Question 3

Maguire

Answer 3

A: Localization of spacial memory in London taxi drivers due to their training called the “Knowledge”- a test of using a mental map to navigate London

P: Quasi experiment (IV cannot be manipulated)- MRI scans on both 16 right handed London taxi drivers and 50 non-taxi drivers (control group). Data was measured by using VBM to measure grey matter and pixel counting to calculate the area of the hippocampus. Investigated the relationship between the number of years driving and brain structure, and compared.

F: Posterior hippocampi of the taxi drivers were LARGER, the anterior hippocampi was SMALLER. 2. Volume of right posterior hippocampi pos. correlated with the # of years spent driving.

Shows that the hippocampus is responsible for spatial awareness and memory eg. the differences in volume suggest that certain brain structures respond to environmental demands. The anterior hippocampi was seen to be associated with new spatial info., but was smaller since the taxi drivers had undergone training, they had already learnt the streets.

Question 4

Maguire link to neuroplasticity

Answer 4

The hippocampus change and grows in density, in response to the environment — brain structure CHANGES with experience depending on demands (drivers had to learn the map of London and use it every day). Therefore they create new neural pathways for memory but they also use them often, making them stronger as a result. It appears that the posterior hippocampus plays a key role in spatial memory and navigation, whereas the anterior hippocampal region may be more involved in perception and coping with novelty

Supports the theory as it shows that longer experience as a taxi driver = larger volume.