BIOLOGICAL APPROACH- Neuroplasticity, Localization of function and brain imaging | Quizlet

Neuroplasticity

the ability of the brain to change the structure in response to experience or changes to the environment

Localization of Function

the theory that states that specific parts of the brain are responsible for specific behaviours or cognitive processes.

hippocampus

responsible for the transfer of short-term memory to long term memory

Brain imaging

A technique used by psychologists which gives researchers insight into our brain structures and brain activity.

Brain imaging techniques

MRI, fMRI, EEG, etc.

fMRI

Provide a high quality image indicating which areas of the brain are active when engaged in a behaviour/cognitive process. It does this by measuring changes in blood flow in our brain.

specific brain area is active= more bloodflow

fMRI studies

- Baumgartner et al (2008)

- Antonova et al (2011)

MRI

a technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce images that allows us to see structures within the brain

MRI study

Maguire et al

Maguire et al 2000: aim

To examine whether structural changes could be detected in the brain of people with extensive experience of spatial navigation.

Maguire et al 2000: method

Research method: Quasi experiment

- Structural MRI scans were obtained.

- 16 right-handed male London taxi drivers all have been driving for more than 1.5 years.

- Scans of 50 healthy right-handed males who did not drive taxi were included for comparison.

- Mean age did not differ between the 2 groups.

Maguire et al 2000: results

- Increased grey matter was found in the brains of taxi drivers compared with controls in hippocampi.- The increased volume was found in the posterior (rear) hippocampus.

- The anterior hippocampal region was larger in control subjects than in taxi drivers.

- a positive correlation was found between the amount of time spent as a taxi driver and volume in the posterior hippocampus.

Maguire et al 2000: Implications

Neuroplasticity:

- Results provided evidence for structural differences between the hippocampus of London taxi drivers and control participants, therefore suggesting that extensive practice with spatial navigation affects the hippocampus.

- This demonstrates that the brain can change in response to environmental demands.

-Brain formed more neural connections

Localization:

- Shows that the hippocampus is a key area for spatial memory and navigation.

- The structural differences of the posterior hippocampus in taxi drivers highlights its role in spatial memory

Techniques to study the brain:

The study used MRI to observe changes in grey matter, demonstrating how non-invasive imaging techniques can track brain plasticity and structural changes over time in response to acquired skills/habits.