Neuroplasticity - Psychology | International Baccalaureate

Neuroplasticity

Theory that states the brain is a dynamic system which changes due to experiences and the environment. An increase in synaptic connections is due to a new skill learnt.

“Use it or lose it” Principle

A repeated use of a synapse will lead to long-term potentiation, strengthening synaptic connections creating dendritic branching, making neurons connect with each others.

Neural connections are lost if a synapse isn’t used, it prunes.

Pruning

Neural connections are lost from a synapse not being used.

Long-Term Potentation

Repeated use of synapse, leading to a firing of neurons.

Testability for Theory

• Experiments Through Animals —> Cause-and-Effect

• Correlative Studies Through Humans —> Cause-and-Effect can’t be inferred.

Application for Theory

• Long-Term Potentiation —> Education Rehearsal

• Functional Plasticity —> Stroke Patients

Draganski (2004)

Study that shows the brain increases in size when a new skill is learnt, due to neural connections being made.

Maguire et al (2000)

Study that shows spatial memory is located in the hippocampus.