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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.
