🪼 Neuroplasticity 🪼

Genie Wiley, Neuroplasticity, Piaget, Schema, Gender, David Reimar

Genie Wiley aim

Investigate her acquisition of language after total isolation

Genie Wiley method

Scientists raised her and studied how she learned through interactions

Genie Wiley results

She had a significantly reduced brain size. Due to this, despite her learning many words, she struggled with sentences. She showed developments but then deteriorated because her Broca’s and other areas were so reduced with lack of use

Genie Wiley conclusion

With lack of use, areas of the brain can worsen to the point where certain things cannot be learned

Neuroplasticity

The ability to learn new things due to the malleable nature of the mind

Nerual pruning

As we age, we undergo this process where certain connections are elimnated whilst others are allowed to strengthen

Myelination

The process in which neural pathways are reinforced with myeline, increasing transmission speed

Dendritic branching

The process where neurons grow more branches, creating more synapses and allowing for more neural pathways

Schema

Patterns of thought and behaviours that form the framework of ones perception

Assimilation

Fitting in new information without changing existing schemas such as understanding different rules at school and home

Accommodation

Modifying current schemas for new information such as learning new topics that would change ones overall view on a concept

Piaget’s Stages of Development

Sensorimotor, pre-operational, concrete operational, formal operational

Sensorimotor Stage

From birth to two years old. Develop object permanence and maintain an egocentric view.

Preoperational Stage

From two to seven years old. Develop symbolic thought and imagination through telling stories and play.

Concrete Operational

Seven to 11 years old. Theory of conservation alongside concrete operations and inductive reasoning.

Formal Operational

12+ years old. Develop abstract thought, identity and morality.

Thoery of Conservation

Related to object permanence; the understanding that objects are not different if they have changed places or been moved

Egocentricism

Attention is focused inward; one is not concerned with the perspective of others.

Sex

The biological traits a person is born with

Gender

That which makes you feel on the spectrum of masculinity and femininity

Gender role

Roles society expects men and women to take up based on stereotypes

Gender schema

The mental blueprint that guides our behaviour and persepective on gender and gender roles

Gender constancy

The developed understanding that our gender does not change even with what we wear

Gender neutral

Not relating to or identifying with a particular gender

David Reimar aim

Investigate the nature vs nurture side of gender

David Reimar method

He was observed through visits and observations across his life following the tragic event in which he was surgically changed to and raised as a girl after a botched circumcision

David Reimar results

David Reimar conclusion

Gender is intrinsic, not simply a nuture (or nature) factor, it cannot be changed or altered by another