...the class. Personally, I am very interested in the aspect of brain plasticity and what aspects of life and psychology play a crucial role in its activity. For this reason, my big question is “What largely impacts brain plasticity?”. However, before I go further into my research about brain plasticity it is important to define what brain plasticity is. Brain plasticity is the brain's ability to alter its structure and function following an experience or changes in the body (Brain Facts). The changes that occur in the brain due to brain plasticity could involve a growing or shrinking in grey matter, neural...
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...specialisation of function in specific structures of the brain? INTRODUCTION In relation to what extent cognitive development can be understood in terms of specialisation of specific structures of the brain, this assignment will observe and use developmental cognitive neuropsychology which explains and seeks to understand a functional relationship between the human brain and its function. In this assignment I will produce two contrasting theories within regards to the functional specialisation, I will accomplish this with study and analysis while debating which brain functions contest and develop by exploring specific key concepts of brain development such as contesting influences that the environment may have upon a maturing brain. Throughout this essay not only will I be discussing concepts of brain development but I will also briefly present the function of language and that it is reliant upon specific structures “Cortical” and whether a pre-specified “particular region” of the brain may have a role in supporting cognitive functions and finally in-turn by using evidence based research within relation to the pre-frontal cortex I will conclude this assignment. In order to explain specialisation of function development of the brain, I will now associate functional specialisation and structural differentiation. There are particular cognitive functions and specific cortical areas in a typical “adult” brain, yet a developing brain (Prior to maturity) demonstrates constant increasing...
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...Neural Plasticity Joelle Flythe, Jennifer Parr, Kristina Catalan, Mich Haas Psych 340 May 16, 2016 Amy Hennings Neural Plasticity Have you ever wondered what happened to a person when they have a stroke? Better yet what happens to the person's brain? Does the brain change? Or how will the person recover from the stroke? These are all questions that this paper will discuss. The information that follows will be in great details about a stroke, about our patient by the name of Stephanie. Stephanie has had a stroke. We want to ensure that Stephanie, our patient, understands what is next to come after her stroke. We will focus on the recovery process, the do's and do not's and the functions and limitations of a person who has had a stroke. What is a stroke? According to the American Heart Association, a "Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It is the number 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot; it bursts or ruptures. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it and brain cells die" (American Heart Association, 2016.) When a person has a stoke it is unpredictable and affects the brain in a major way. When a person has a stroke, they can become paralyzed, lose memory and have to learn...
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...In order to fully understand human development, this essay will discuss the importance of the lifespan perspective. Many researches believe that the lifespan orientation consists of several classic beliefs that form a family of perspectives that gives a cohesive view on the nature of development. While each of these seven perspectives are essential to lifespan development and emphasize a different aspect of development, this essay will focus on the two aspects of plasticity and contextualism as a paradigm. It will also illustrate how they give evidence supporting development as a life long process. Lifespan development can be defined as “the field of study that examines patterns of growth, change, and stability in behaviour that occur throughout the entire life span” (Sigelman & Rider, 2011). Lifespan development takes a scientific approach in its study of growth, change and stability as researchers use scientific methods to test their assumptions (Sigelman & Rider, 2011s). Previously child development was the focus of many theorists but within the last two decades lifespan development has begun to be studied empirically. Another justification for lifespan development is that it originates in other disciplines as well such as sociology and anthropology and this suggests that this field of lifespan development did not originate solely from developmental psychologists (Baltes, 1987). There are three relevant areas in lifespan development: physical development which looks at...
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...e i nf o a b s t r a c t Article history: Received 6 November 2012 Received in revised form 14 June 2013 Accepted 15 June 2013 Available online 24 June 2013 Memory systems research has typically described the different types of long-term memory in the brain as either declarative versus non-declarative or implicit versus explicit. These descriptions reflect the difference between declarative, conscious, and explicit memory that is dependent on the medial temporal lobe (MTL) memory system, and all other expressions of learning and memory. The other type of memory is generally defined by an absence: either the lack of dependence on the MTL memory system (nondeclarative) or the lack of conscious awareness of the information acquired (implicit). However, definition by absence is inherently underspecified and leaves open questions of how this type of memory operates, its neural basis, and how it differs from explicit, declarative memory. Drawing on a variety of studies of implicit learning that have attempted to identify the neural correlates of implicit learning using functional neuroimaging and neuropsychology, a theory of implicit memory is presented that describes it as a form of general plasticity within processing networks that adaptively improve function via experience. Under this model, implicit memory will not appear as a single, coherent, alternative memory system but will instead be manifested as a principle of improvement from experience...
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...Plasticity: brain plasticity is a term which is used to refer the brain's unique ability to constantly change, grow, and remap itself over the course of a lifetime. The “plastic” in this sense refers to “moldable,” rather than to the family of products derived from petrochemicals. This distinctive trait makes the brain a very valuable organ, as it can constantly adapt itself to deal with new input and information. All animals possess this characteristic to some extent, although most studies have focused specifically on the workings of the human brain. Lateralization: the lateralization of human brain is the idea that the left and right sides of the brain carry out and regulate a variety of different functions and behaviors. Each of the two hemispheres is responsible for a distinct set of duties in brain lateralization; the left side handles analytical, logical, and verbal thought processes while the right oversees more sensitive processes, like feelings, intuition, and sensory matters. The duties of the two hemispheres are reversed in left-handed individuals. The thought that the two hemispheres manage these brain functions and behaviors for the overall operation of the individual and can be utilized as a situation demands is the theory behind brain lateralization. Autonomy: autonomy is a complex socio-cognitive system, subject to internal and external constraints, which manifests itself in different degrees of independence and control of one’s own learning process. It involves...
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...Biopyschologists believe that every mental event involves a brain event. Many people have experienced severe injuries and trauma to their brains in their lives. However after undergoing exercises, surgery or therapy it is able to help them repair their brains as well as change their minds and literally change their brains. The process whereby their brains change in response to experience is called neuroplasticity. There are various forms of neuroplasticity such as homologous area adaptation, map expansion, cross-modal reassignment and compensatory masquerade which occur through diverse forms of therapeutic rehabilitation and treatment. Many processes are involved in brain recovery, after an injury or trauma. Neural networks and how they trigger an action potential, neuroplasticity, learning experience and therapy in patient recovery or remission are very important in brain recovery. In this essay, case studies that underwent neuroplasticity due to brain damage will be shown as well as how the treatment they underwent both psychologically and physically ‘changed their brain’. In computer science and associated fields, artificial neural networks are computational models motivated by an animal's central nervous system (in particular the brain) which is competent of machine learning as well as pattern recognition. Artificial neural networks are usually conferred as systems of interconnected "neurons" which can calculate values from inputs (Elsevier, 1988). An action potential is...
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...language, and provide an example of a case in which an individual cannot acquire language, respectively. When a person knows a language, he/she utilizes it either by producing sounds or remaining silent and receives auditory signals. Therefore the knowledge of a language doesn’t necessarily mean the ability to speak and structure sentences but the ability to comprehend the essential structure of language. However, the ability to speak still holds an important role in language acquisition. The voice production is made up of three main parts: Respiration (lungs), phonation (larynx), and articulation (mouth,lips,teeth, nose etc). So how can a child acquire language before the latter stage of communication? It is the brain that allows the child to do it. The brain consists of two hemispheres: left and right. And the corpus callosum plays a role of connecting the two hemispheres. On the left hemisphere, there are the Broca and Wernicke’s area which are located at the front and back part of the hemisphere. To add on, there are mechanisms that also help a child acquire language before the latter stage of communication too. In the very early life of a child, a biological device starts to function as soon as being exposed to language in order to acquire it without...
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...levels of 5-HT cause an onset of depressive symptoms because these mice lack the ability to reuptake the 5-HT that is left in the extracellular space. The monoamine hypothesis was and still is a good starting point for needing to search for the biological basis of depression. It is now understood however, that this theory needs to be broadened and fill in the gaps that have opened up in the literature. It is important to consider an alternative view to this unsolved question. Neurotrophic theory An alternative theory to the monoamine hypothesis is the neurotrophic theory which states that depression could be due to the reduced synthesis of proteins which are involved in neurogenesis...
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...life. It was my life changing decision of whether I stay in the United States or go back in my home country. Frankly, I have already made a decision to go back to South Korea a while ago. Yet, I was often confused and nervous about the decision that I have made because of my explanatory style. Since I do not have a plan other than preparing for a graduate school from the moment I leave the school, I know it would be better for me to have optimistic beliefs constantly reminding myself, “I will be okay and I will do just fine.” However, it was surprisingly challenging because I tended to have pessimistic thoughts about my forthcoming uncertain future. Erikson’s theory with varying degrees of skepticism explains my pessimistic ways of perceiving the situation and self-doubt habits. According to Erikson’s approach called a theory of psychosocial stage, I must have developed mistrust or...
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...CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION A. Background of the Study Sleep is a physiological need. It is a way to rest our body from fatigue. Hence, adequate sleep is a biological necessity, not a luxury, for the normal functioning of humans. Good mental and physical health depends on maintenance of adequate sleep. College experience is of great value in providing emerging adults with a structured environment in which they can gain knowledge, skills and independence to chart their own path, become successfully employed and contribute to society. For most students, the college environment is full of new living and social experiences, new freedom from parental supervision and new academic demands. In this situations, most often than not, adequate sleep is neglected. According to poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation (2000) potential obstacle to maximizing success in college is the high prevalence of daytime sleepiness, sleep deprivation, sleep disturbances and irregular sleep schedules among college students. Daytime sleepiness is a major problem, exhibited by 50% of college students compared to 36% of adolescents and adults. At least 3 days a week, 60% of college students report that they are dragging, tired and sleepy. Sleep deprivation is defined as obtaining inadequate sleep to support adequate daytime alertness. How much sleep a young adult needs is known to be eight (8) hours. Most college students are sleep deprived, as 70.6% of students report obtaining...
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...creation, change at some point and time. Scientifically, the human body is designed to experience change. Human growth development has several perspectives and characteristics to explain lifespan. The following essay will explore five developmental perspectives and explore two theories of life span development. These perspectives include; Multidirectional, Multicontextual, Multicultural, Multidisciplinary, and Plasticity lifespan development. Explanations will also explain how heredity and the environment interact to produce individual differences in human development. Life Span Perspective Developing human beings of every age, culture, and experiences demonstrate to us what is widespread as well as what is distinctive. Some periods of life are life-threatening and complex at times, yet the interaction between the environment and family is always evident. Differences among people are not essentially necessary, although some people mistakenly assume that their own path is best for everyone. Change is ongoing, and dynamic throughout the entire life span. Life span development occurs in several directions. These perceptions are Multidirectional, Multicontextual, Multicultural, Multidisciplinary, and Plasticity Multidirectional This perspective is obvious in each aspect of life and in every direction. Over time, human individualities change in various ways—increasing, decreasing, or staying steady; in a line (linear), a curve (curvilinear), or up and down (zigzag). A multidirectional...
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...Neuropsychology is the branch of psychology which investigates the function and structure of the brain as it relates to processes of cognition such as; memory, perception, thinking, recognition and the human ability to solve problems, ( Jansari, 2010 p.60). Since the second half of the nineteenth century neurologist began studying brain damage in patients, more specifically their research has examined the effect of brain damage and its implication for normal cognitive functions. It has therefore being argued that in order to understand a working system, one must understand how it can fail, (Jansari, 2010 p. 59). This can refine and possibly constrain existing theories, as well as inspire the formulation of future concepts with regards to the structure of normal cognition. Evidence is based on case studies of individual brain damaged patients who show deficits in particular areas of the brain, from such studies researchers infer that different areas of the brain are highly specialized. Furthermore the development of more accurate techniques, aided by more effective research paradigms has increased our understanding of cognitive functions, in areas such as disassociation, plasticity, memory, localization and face processing, which would be explored later in the essay. Cognitive neuropsychology has however shown that there are limitations in understanding cognition where questions regarding methodology may arise, for instance studying single patient symptoms may pose problem for...
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...that before birth one’s brain eliminates around half of its neurons (Toga & Mazziotta, 2000). This concept is called exuberance followed by regression (Beauregard et al. 2001; Ochsner et al., 2002). Initially, one’s brain will developed too many neurons and then prune those that are not used during its organized period. The brains organizational period begins before birth and continues into adulthood. During the brains organizational period, the structure of the brain is going through serious changes and has naturally higher levels of plasticity (Schwartz et al. 1996; Schwartz 1998; Musso et al., 1999; Paquette et al., 2003). The Theory of Neuroplasticity: Neuroplasticity is the mechanism that allows...
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...INTRODUCTION The human brain is a complex organ that begins to grow and develop at just four weeks prenatal and continues on changing and developing until a person’s death (Boyd & Bee, 2012). A person’s heredity and genes play a part in this development however a person’s experience also shapes the development of the brain. The age old debate of nature verse nurture can be applied to brain development. The following discussion will take the reader on a journey through the development of the brain from its prenatal development to its development in old age. The reader will see that it is the combination of both genes and the environment which shapes the brain. The report will show that both nature and nurture are required to develop a healthy brain. DISCUSSION The human brain is set apart from other animal in its ability relay thoughts and mental states including desires, ideas, and intentions to other individuals. This concept is referred to as theory of mind and to date has not been seen in any other animal (Harmony, 2008). The question is what shapes the brain? Is it shaped by a person’s genes or is it the environment that person lives in. The answer is both. The human brain needs both genes and experience in order to develop healthily and to its fullest potential. Brain Development Prenatal The human brain begins to development well before birth. By the sixth week of pregnancy, an embryo’s brain is able to move in response to stimuli and by week eight the brain connects with...
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