With reference to one study, explain neural pruning.

Introduction to the approach

The biological approach argues that there are physiological origins of many behaviors and that human beings should be studied as biological systems. Biologists have found that the relationship between biological factors and behaviour is bidirectional.

Introduction to the topic

The term neural pruning refers to the process by which neurones and synaptic connections that are not frequently used are eliminated in order to increase the efficiency of neural transmissions that are still in use. The brain is a dynamic system that interacts with the environment and gets physically sculpted by experience. Hence, neural pruning results in neuroplasticity, which is the ability of the brain to change its structure as the individual interacts with their environment.

Thesis

This response will demonstrate neural prunning in the brain using the study by Draganski.

Draganski et al (2004) - Aim and Participants

To investigate how the brain changes structurally in response to environmental changes, operationalized through learning to juggle

Sample: 24 participants (21 females, 3 males) obtained through self-selected sampling.

Participant background: No prior juggling experience. Participants were randomly assigned to either the juggler group or non-juggler (control) group.

Draganski et al (2004) - Method

• First MRI scan conducted for all participants at the start.

• Jugglers practiced juggling for three months until they could juggle for 60 seconds without dropping a ball.

• Second MRI scan conducted after the practice period.

• Comparison of scans showed increased grey matter in jugglers’ V5 area (associated with visual motion processing).

• To examine the effects of non-practice, participants stopped juggling for three months.

• Third MRI scan showed a decrease in grey matter volume in V5, indicating reversal of structural changes when the skill was not used.

Draganski et al (2004) - Results

• Learning a new skill (juggling) led to increased grey matter in the V5 brain region.

• Lack of practice caused a reduction in grey matter volume

Link

The study shows that after the jugglers stopped practising their juggling routine, the synaptic connections that had taken place in the V5 area of their brain were eliminated as they were not being used anymore. This shows that the brain has the ability of neural pruning.

Conclusion

Hence it can be concluded that the brain shows the ability to eliminate neural networking if they aren’t being used, neural pruning. The study of Draganski showed us this ability being showcased in the 3rd MRI where the grey matter in the V5 area was lesser than what it was in the second MRI.