Draganski (2004)

Design Type

Field exp

Topic

Neuroplasticity

Aim

To investigate whether learning a new skills (juggling) would have an effect on brains

Sample

24 volunteers-> age 20-24 non-jugglers (3 male only)

Procedure

1. MRI at start of study to serve as base rate for grey matter and brain structure.

2. 2 conditions (jugglers and non-jugglers)

3. Taught a 3 ball routine and had to practice until mastered

4. Another MRI scan

5. Told to stop juggling

6. Another MRI 3 months later

7. VBM to see if there was a significant change in brain density

Findings

- No significant regional diff. in brain density but larger amounts of grey matter in mid-temporal areas in both hemispheres

- Grey matter decreased after 3 months

-Juggling requires visual rather than procedural memories

Strengths

- pre-test, post-test design (change over time)

- Control group

Limitations

- small sample size

- needs to be replicated