SAQ 3: Explain formation of neural networks

• Neural network


  A series of connected neurons that enable us to behave in certain ways
• Development of neural networks

  1. Repetition

  2. Neural pruning

  3. Genetic influences

  4. Environmental influences
• Brain damage


  Brain must adapt and different areas assume the function of the damaged lobe (cortical remapping)
• Development of neural networks increases the grey matter in the brain
• Changes in the structure of the brain are a result of learning or experience</b>
• Synaptic plasticity


  The ability of a single neuron to form new synaptic connections and break up the old ones
• Frequent activation of nearby neurons

  Synaptic connection may gradually form between them
• Neural networks can increase grey matter (Draganski's study)
• Draganski's study


  • Mixed design
  • Sample of people with no prior juggling experience
  • IV: jugglers vs non-jugglers
  • DV: structural changes in the brain
• Draganski's study procedure


  1. 3 months of juggling practice

  2. 3 months of no practice

  3. 3 MRI brain scans (before, 3 months, 6 months)
• No differences in participants before the experiment
• Increase in grey matter in the mid-temporal area of the cortex for jugglers
• After 6 months, differences decreased in jugglers but they had more grey matter than the first MRI scan