Explain neuroplasticity as change in neural connections in response to experience or behaviour. Use research on long-term potentiation, neurogenesis, synaptic pruning or cortical remapping to support the explanation.
Discuss one or more effects of the environment on one or more physiological processes.
Refer to the paper 1 section B assessment criteria when awarding marks.
The command term "discuss" requires candidates to offer a considered and balanced review of effects of the environment on physiological processes.
Examples of how the environment may affect physiological processes include, but are not limited to:
- effects of jet lag on bodily rhythms
- effects of poverty on neuroplasticity
- effects of learning on neuroplasticity
- effects of environmental stressors on cardiovascular health
- effects of institutionalization on growth and physical development.
Examples of studies/theories include, but are not limited to:
- Maguire et al. (2000) on neuroplasticity in the hippocampus of taxi drivers
- Marmot et al.'s (1997) Whitehall study on workplace stress and cardiovascular health
- Meaney's (1988) study on environmental stressors and hippocampal cell loss in rats
- Rosenzweig and Bennett's (1972) study on stimulating environments and dendritic branching.
Meditation studies are not valid responses to this question as there are no environmental factors involved.
Discussion of the effects may include, but is not limited to:
- methodological or ethical issues
- empirical evidence
- application of the findings
- contradictory findings
- other contributing factors.
Candidates may discuss one effect of the environment or one physiological process in order to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may discuss a larger number of effects of the environment or physiological processes in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.