Draganski (2004)

Techniques for studying the brain, Neuroplasticity

About the study Draganski

Demonstrates how repeated action can lead to the growth of neural networks, and then stop of that activity can lead to neural pruning

Aim Draganski

See if learning a new skill (juggling) would affect the brain of participants

Participants Draganski

• 24 volunteers age 20-24 - 21 females and 3 males (majority females)

• All participants were non jugglers

• Each had an MRI scan at the beginning

Procedurę Draganski

• Allocated to one of 2 conditions (jugglers or non-jugglers)

• Juggling condition - 3 ball routine learn → asked to practice once mastered notify researchers

• 2nd MRI scan → after asked not to juggle anymore

• 3 months later another MRI scan → used to analyse VBM grey matter density

• Non-jugglers control group

Findings Draganski

• 1 scan found no regional differences

• 2 scan found significantly larger amount of grey matter in the mid-temporal area (visual memory associated)

• 3 months later grey matter amount decreased - neural pruning

→ appears that juggling relies on visual memory rather than procedural memory which would change the cerebellum area

Strengths - Draganski

• Used pre-test, post-test design to see the change over time

• Causes and effect relationship can be established

• Control group → reduced external variables

Limitations - Draganski

• Small sample size - mainly females could not be generalisable

• Field experiment (IV manipulated under natural conditions) → extraneous variables may affect results