Draganski et al (2004) Flashcards
Juggling and Neuroplasticity (8 cards)
Where can this study be used? (3)
Neuroplasticity
The ethics/research methods used in the study of the brain and behavior
Formation of synapses and neural pruning
Aim
To see whether learning a new skill - in this case, juggling - would have an effect on the brains of participants
Participants
24 volunteers between the ages of 20 and 24 (21 females and 3 males)
* all non-jugglers at the start
* all had an MRI scan at the start of the study to serve as base rate for grey matter and brain structure
* allocated to one of two conditions: jugglers and non-jugglers
Method
- juggling condition P were taught a juggling routine
- non-juggling group served as control
- asked to practice this routine and told to notify researcher when mastered
- then had a second MRI scan
- told not to juggle anymore
- third MRI scan carried out three months later
Results
- baseline scans (taken before study) showed no significant regional difference in grey matter
- at the end of first part used voxel-based morphomery: jugglers showed larger amount of grey matter in mid-temporal area in both hemispheres (area associated with visual memory)
- three months ater: amount of grey matter decreased
- no change in non-juggling sample
Limitations (3)
- small smaple size: data layks reliability + difficult to generalise
- potential problems with internal validity - participants were in their home environments for good part
- cannot control extraneous variables
- need to be replicated ton establish reliability
Strengths
- pre-test, post-test design to show differences in neural density - controls differences
- control group
- experimental design: random allocation + manipulation of IV
How is it linked to neuroplasticity, synapses and pruning?
Connection through changes in grey matter as long-term potentiation and dendritic branching occurs and more synapses are formed through learning new skills
* over time neural pruning occurs due to lack of practice of skill
