Explain the concept of neuroplasticity using one study.

Introduction to the approach

The biological approach argues that there are physiological origins of many behaviours and that human beings should be studied as biological systems. Biologists have found that the relationship between biological factors and behaviour is bidirectional.

Introduction to the the topic

The brain is a dynamic system that interacts with the environment and gets physically sculpted by experience. Modern researchers argue that the brain is constantly changing as a result of experience throughout the lifespan. Neural networking refers to the brain’s ability to rearrange the connections between its neurons - that is, the changes that occur in the structure of the brain as a result of learning or experience. High levels of stimulation and numerous learning opportunities lead to an increase in the density of neural connections. Every time we learn something new, the neurons connect to create a new trace in the brain. This is called dendritic branching because the dendrites of the neurons grow in numbers and connect with other neurons

Thesis

This response will attempt to understand brain plasticity by examining the study by Draganski.

Draganski et al (2004) - Aim and Participants

To investigate how the brain changes structurally in response to environmental changes, operationalized through learning to juggle

Sample: 24 participants (21 females, 3 males) obtained through self-selected sampling.

Participant background: No prior juggling experience. Participants were randomly assigned to either the juggler group or non-juggler (control) group.

Draganski et al (2004) - Method

• First MRI scan conducted for all participants at the start.

• Jugglers practiced juggling for three months until they could juggle for 60 seconds without dropping a ball.

• Second MRI scan conducted after the practice period.

• Comparison of scans showed increased grey matter in jugglers’ V5 area (associated with visual motion processing).

• To examine the effects of non-practice, participants stopped juggling for three months.

• Third MRI scan showed a decrease in grey matter volume in V5, indicating reversal of structural changes when the skill was not used.

Draganski et al (2004) - Results

The study demonstrates that the V5 area is localized for processing visual movement, supporting the theory of localization of brain function.

Link

Thus the study clearly demonstrates the changes in the structure of the brain caused by the environmental changes operationalised by practicing of skill and later not practicing. The increase and subsequent decrease in the grey matter in the V5 provides evidence for brain plasticity.

Conclusion

Therefore, to conclude neuroplasticity occurs on a day-to-day basis in our lives and it can be stated that, upon learning a new skill, the structure of the brain associated with that also changes thus resulting in the constant development and change in the structure of the brain.