Rozenweig Bennet and Diamond

Date

1972

Topic

Neuroplasticity

Aim

To investigate if changing the level of stimuli in the environment would result in physical changes in the brain

What were they investigating in particular

The development of neurons in the cerebral cortex

Method, (describe the conditions, time spent inside them etc)

>Rats placed in EC or IC

>EC - 10-12 eats in a cage containing diff stimulus objects to explore and play w. Also received maze training

>IC - Individual cages

No toys/ mazes

>30-60 days. Killed in order for researches to study changes in brains anatomy

Describe the EC

Enriched condition

- other rats 10-12

- stimulus objects to explore and play w

- maze training

Describe the IC

Impoverished condition

Individual cages

Lacked toys and the maze

Results

Anatomy of brain different in EC and IC

increased THICKNESS and HIGHER WEIGHT of the cortex in EC rats compared to that of IC rats

EC rats had greater activity in the neurons in the cerebral cortex, associated with transmission of acetylcholine (neurotransmitter for learning)

What is acetylcholine?

neurotransmitter for learning and memory

Where was there greater activity in the EC rats

Neurons in the cerebral cortex associated with the transmission of acetylcholine

Conclusion

Thickness of the cortex and overall weight increased as a result of the EV

Follow up research indicated that two hours a day in EC produced same changes as a long period of time

Ethics

X consent

X debrief

Sample

Rats

Research method

Animal research

Design?

Independent groups design

What does a thicker and heavier weight of the cortex mean

There are more neural connections