Plasticity Flashcards
Definition
-Brain ability to change and adapt its structures and process
-as a consequence of experience and new learning
Synaptic pruning
-during infancy Brain experience rapid growth in n of synaptic connections
-as we age, connections not used regularly are deleted
- ones used regularly are strengthened
Research sugg
any time in life existing neural connections can change
Or new neural connection can be formed between neurons as a result of LEARNING AND EXPERIENCE
Functional recovery- example of plasticity
-type of plasticity
-refers= recovery of abilities and mental process
-such as = movement or language
-have been effected as result of brain damage or disease
Brain is able to do what?
Rewire itself by forming new synaptic connections close to damage area of brain
-secondary neural pathways= not typically be used to carry out certain functions are ACTIVATED to enable functions to continue
-often in same way as before
-process vested a n of structural changes
Structural changes?
AXONAL SPROUTING
RECRUITMENT OF HOMOLOGOUS AREAS
AXONAL sprouting
-Undamaged axons grow
-New nerves endings which reconnect the neurons
-Where connections had been damaged
Recruitment of homologous areas
Areas from OPP side of brain take over the function of damaged area of brain
E.g Broca’s area damaged in the LH the Right sided quivalent would carry out its functions
What effects recovery trauma
Pages
Perseverance
Age
Gender
Education
Stress nd alcohol
Perseverance
-great deal of effort to recover from trauma nd research shows may appear to lose function
-person not trying cox believe is unrecoverable
Age
Young ppl more likely to recover
Than older 40+
There is deterioration of brain in old age which effects speed recovery
Gender
Evidence on gender diff is mixed but some research suggests that fem are more likely to recover than males
Education
Schneider et al
More time ppl with a brain injury has spent in education the greater change of a disability free recovery
Stress nd alcohol
Recovery from trauma, takes greater deal of effort to regain ability to function so alcohol nd stress can make it more difficult for an individual
AO3 strength
P: Research supports brain plasticity and functional recovery.
E: Case study of EB – lost his left hemisphere but regained language ability.
E: Shows the brain can recruit homologous areas to restore lost functions.
L: Increases validity of plasticity and functional recovery research.
AO3 discussion limitation
P: Research lacks population validity.
E: EB’s case is unique due to severe brain damage, affecting generalizability.
E: Different people (age, gender) may experience plasticity differently.
L: Lowers external validity of plasticity research.
AO3 strength
P: Research supports plasticity of brain
E: Maguire et al. (2000) – London taxi drivers had more grey matter in the posterior hippocampus.
E: Demonstrates experience (navigational knowledge) can alter brain structure.
L: Strengthens validity of plasticity and functional recovery researc
