題目 1 · SAQ
9 分Explain how one study demonstrates neuroplasticity.
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解題
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganize its structure and neural connections in response to environmental stimuli, learning, or experience. This can occur at a micro-level (synaptic plasticity, dendritic branching) or macro-level (changes in grey matter volume). An excellent study to demonstrate this is Draganski et al. (2004).
Draganski et al. aimed to investigate whether structural changes in the human brain could occur in response to learning a new motor skill (juggling). The researchers used a sample of 24 non-jugglers. Participants underwent an initial MRI scan. They were then split into two groups: jugglers and non-jugglers. The jugglers spent three months learning a classic three-ball juggling routine and had a second MRI scan when they reached mastery. They were then instructed to stop juggling for three months, followed by a final MRI scan. The non-juggling control group had scans at the same intervals.
The MRI scans showed that before learning to juggle, there were no significant regional differences in grey matter. However, after three months of practice, the jugglers showed a significant increase in grey matter volume in the mid-temporal area of both hemispheres, an area associated with visual memory and movement perception. After three months of not juggling, this grey matter volume decreased, although it did not return entirely to baseline levels. The control group showed no changes.
This study demonstrates neuroplasticity because it shows that learning a new environmental skill directly leads to structural alterations in the brain (dendritic branching in response to training), while lack of practice leads to a reduction of these structures (synaptic pruning). This highlights that the brain remains plastic and adaptive throughout adulthood.
Draganski et al. aimed to investigate whether structural changes in the human brain could occur in response to learning a new motor skill (juggling). The researchers used a sample of 24 non-jugglers. Participants underwent an initial MRI scan. They were then split into two groups: jugglers and non-jugglers. The jugglers spent three months learning a classic three-ball juggling routine and had a second MRI scan when they reached mastery. They were then instructed to stop juggling for three months, followed by a final MRI scan. The non-juggling control group had scans at the same intervals.
The MRI scans showed that before learning to juggle, there were no significant regional differences in grey matter. However, after three months of practice, the jugglers showed a significant increase in grey matter volume in the mid-temporal area of both hemispheres, an area associated with visual memory and movement perception. After three months of not juggling, this grey matter volume decreased, although it did not return entirely to baseline levels. The control group showed no changes.
This study demonstrates neuroplasticity because it shows that learning a new environmental skill directly leads to structural alterations in the brain (dendritic branching in response to training), while lack of practice leads to a reduction of these structures (synaptic pruning). This highlights that the brain remains plastic and adaptive throughout adulthood.
評分準則
Marks should be awarded using the official IB Psychology SAQ rubric (9 marks total):
- **7 to 9 marks**: The response is fully focused on the prompt. It provides a clear, accurate explanation of neuroplasticity. A relevant study (e.g., Draganski et al., 2004) is accurately described (aim, method, findings) and explicitly linked to the concept of neuroplasticity to show how it demonstrates the phenomenon.
- **4 to 6 marks**: The response is relevant but lacks depth or clarity. Neuroplasticity is explained but with some gaps. A study is described, but the link between the study's findings and neuroplasticity is weak, incomplete, or merely implicit.
- **1 to 3 marks**: The response has limited relevance. There is a poor explanation of neuroplasticity. The study may be omitted, highly inaccurate, or not relevant to neuroplasticity.
*Accept/Reject Notes*: Accept any valid research study demonstrating neuroplasticity (e.g., Maguire et al., 2000; Luby et al., 2013; Rosenzweig and Bennett, 1972). Reject studies that focus purely on localization of function without explicitly addressing the dynamic structural changes associated with neuroplasticity.
- **7 to 9 marks**: The response is fully focused on the prompt. It provides a clear, accurate explanation of neuroplasticity. A relevant study (e.g., Draganski et al., 2004) is accurately described (aim, method, findings) and explicitly linked to the concept of neuroplasticity to show how it demonstrates the phenomenon.
- **4 to 6 marks**: The response is relevant but lacks depth or clarity. Neuroplasticity is explained but with some gaps. A study is described, but the link between the study's findings and neuroplasticity is weak, incomplete, or merely implicit.
- **1 to 3 marks**: The response has limited relevance. There is a poor explanation of neuroplasticity. The study may be omitted, highly inaccurate, or not relevant to neuroplasticity.
*Accept/Reject Notes*: Accept any valid research study demonstrating neuroplasticity (e.g., Maguire et al., 2000; Luby et al., 2013; Rosenzweig and Bennett, 1972). Reject studies that focus purely on localization of function without explicitly addressing the dynamic structural changes associated with neuroplasticity.