Blakemore and Cooper

What was the background?

Explore how visual experiences after birth affect the development of neuronal organisation in the visual cortex.

What was the sample?

Kittens from birth until about 5 months old.

What apparatus was used?

Cylinders with vertical or horizontal stripes and a collar to stop the kitten seeing anything else.

What was the procedure?

• Newborn kittens raised in a completely dark room for 2 weeks.

• At 2 weeks the kitten is placed inside the cylinder.

• The kitten will only be able to see horizontal or vertical lines until it reaches 5 months old.

• Kittens wore a large black collar so they couldn’t see their own bodies and spent 5 hours a day in the cylinder.

• After 5 months, they were put in well lit room with furniture. Their behaviour was observed here.

State a qualitative finding

• No startle reflex

• Visual placing issues

• Not seeing lines of opposite orientation

How many neurons were tested in how many cats?

125 in 2 cats

In all but one case, what were the effects on neuron orientation?

Neurons distributed on a plan aligned with their environment.

What was the conclusion?

Brain plasticity