plasticity

Question 1

Plasticity

Answer 1

Refers to the ability of the brain to change and adapt synapses, pathways, and structures as a result of experiences and new learning.

Question 1

Plasticity pathway

Answer 1

If a new task is learned a new pathway is formed, if this pathway is repeatedly used they are strengthened, the old pathway is used less and is weakened, rewiring the brain through synaptic pruning

Question 2

AO3: Research plasticity

Answer 2

Maguire et al

The posterior hippocampal volume of London taxi drivers’ brains was positively correlated with their time as a taxi driver and that there were significant differences between the taxi drivers’ brains and those of controls.

This shows that the brain can permanently change in response to frequent exposure to a particular task.

Question 3

AO3: research

Answer 3

Kuhn et al. found a significant increase in grey matter in various regions of the brain after participants played video games for 30 minutes a day over a two-month period.

Highlight the idea of plasticity and the brain’s ability to adapt as a result of new experience,