Plasticity Flashcards
(3 cards)
Evidence to support the idea of plasticity
Evidence to support the idea of plasticity comes from Maguire et al. (2000) who studied spatial navigation abilities in London taxi drivers. Using an MRI scanner, they calculated the amount of grey matter (neuron cell bodies) in the brains of taxi drivers and a control group. They found that the posterior hippocampi of taxi drivers were significantly larger relative to
the control group and that volume was positively correlated to the amount of time they had
been taxi drivers. This suggests the part of the brain responsible for memorising spatial information had physically adapted to cope with the cognitive demands of the job.
Plasticity can have negative implications for individuals
Plasticity can have negative implications for individuals. For example, prolonged drug use
can lead the brain to re-wire itself resulting in poorer cognitive functioning as well as an increased risk of dementia later in life (Medina et al. 2007). Also 60-80% of amputees have been known to develop phantom limb syndrome – the continued experience of sensations in the missing limb as if it were still there. These sensations are usually unpleasant, painful and
are thought to be due to neural reorganisation in the somatosensory cortex that occurs as a result of limb loss (Ramachandran & Hirstein 1998). This highlights the impact that negative environmental influences (nurture) can have upon the brain (nature).
The idea of plasticity and functional recovery of the brain can account for nurture factors
that shape brain development.
The idea of plasticity and functional recovery of the brain can account for nurture factors that shape brain development. Rather than accepting the deterministic view that physical
and cognitive abilities controlled by the brain are fixed by genes at an early age, the wealth of research shows that interaction with the environment can influence how our brains develop. Although there are limitations to our capabilities, we have a degree of control over
the life experiences we encounter, which ultimately suggests we have the free will to decide how we develop. Such insight provides a positive outlook on our lives, especially for those suffering from trauma.
