AO3

• A strength of research into brain plasticity is the supporting evidence from human and animal studies.

  -Maguire’s study provides real-world evidence of structural changes in the brain due to experience, and Hubel and Wiesel’s work with kittens (where sewing one eye shut led to visual cortex adaptation) shows plasticity occurs across species.

  -This gives the theory strong scientific support.
• However, some research suggests that plasticity is not always beneficial

  -For example, maladaptive plasticity can occur, such as phantom limb syndrome after amputation, where painful sensations are experienced due to reorganisation of somatosensory pathways.

  -This shows plasticity can have negative consequences, which limits its usefulness.
• Another strength is its practical application.

  -Understanding functional recovery has led to the development of rehabilitation techniques such as movement therapy and electrical brain stimulation, which improve outcomes for stroke victims.

  -This demonstrates clear real-world value.
• A weakness is much of the evidence is correlational.

  -Maguire’s study cannot prove that driving a taxi caused the hippocampal changes may be third variable

  -This reduces the ability to establish cause and effect.
• A weakness is that individual differences exist

  -Age is thought to influence plasticity, with younger brains being more adaptable.

  -However, studies (e.g., Bezzola et al., 2012) have shown evidence of plasticity in older adults (golf training in 40–60-year-olds), suggesting that functional plasticity continues across the lifespan but may vary in extent.