Plasticity And Functional Recovery

Question 1

RTS: case study on EB

Answer 1

Had brain damage, left hemisphere removed so lost language centres, regained some language ability which not possible if brain lateralised, EB experienced recruitment of homologous areas, brain can adapt to produce language even without functioning left hemisphere, increases int. Val

Question 2

Discussion point: case study lacks population validity

Answer 2

Only involved EB who had severe brain damage, caused unique changes in brain that may have influenced plasticity and functional recovery, limits how well findings can be generalised lowers external validity

Question 3

Strength: practical apps

Answer 3

POT that possible for brain to recover from damage through recruitment of homologous areas has led to development of neurorehabilitation, patient practices repeatedly using damaged side so can regain functioning, Improve quality of life, important part of applied psychology helps treat people in real world

Question 4

Strength: RTS Maguire et al

Answer 4

Studied brains of London Taxi Drivers, taxi drivers for a long time had greater volume of grey matter in area responsible for spatial and navigational skills, in comparison to short term taxi drivers, supports plasticity, change in structure if brain due to experience, greater knowledge of roads, increases validity