Cognitive Neuroscience Quiz 2

Nature vs Nurture

The extent to which cognition & behavior can be attributed to genes OR environment

Genes

NOT a predetermined blueprint

Environment

Includes biological & personal, and social circumstances. Can turn genes on and off

Piaget’s definition of nature vs nurture

Development is a cyclical process of interactions between the child & environment

Genetic contribution

developing a brain that is ready to learn in certain ways

Environment contribuation

assimilating evidence via experience & developing new mechanisms from feedback obtained

Neuroconstructivism

Genetic AND environmental conditions influence brain development and cognitive development, and their INFLUENCES

Neuroconstructivism vs Piaget

Similar BUT no strict adherence to stages & an emphasis on brain-based constraints

Neural activity

changes neural architecture

and is affected by the environment & behavior

Predetermined Development

Genes → Brain structure → Brain function → Experience

Probabilistic Development

Genes ←→ Brain Structure ←→ Brain function ←→ Experience

Neurogenesis

Synaptogenesis

Synaptic Pruning

what happens prenatally: cell division, neuroblasts, how neurons move to their destination

Postnatal Development of the Brain – when are most neurons formed?

Causes of postnatal increase in brain size

Synaptic density – timing of peaks and what role does reducing excess synapes play

Where does neurogenesis still occur after birth?

Experience Related Changes – what is thought to increase gray matter density

Reducing excess synapses & efficiency

Brain changes in adults and juggling study

How do neurons in different parts of the brain develop specializations, in terms of what they connect to?

Protopmap

Protocortex

What is the definition of critical periods and sensitive periods, and how do critical and sensitive periods differ?

2nd language and sensitive periods

Wartenburger et al (2003) – know the basic data pattern.

What are the implications for the idea of a sensitive period for language learning

Role of visual deprivation in one eye – what happens and at what time? Hubel & Wiesel studied with cats. What is this evidence of?

Genetically Programmed Synaptogenesis

What could cause the closure of the window? Evidence?

GABA explanation and study findings

Perineuronal Nets explanation and study