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 two effects of the environment on 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, supported by appropriate evidence, of the way in which the environment affects physiological processes.
Candidates may address two effects of the environment on two different physiological processes or may address two different effects of the environment on one physiological process. Both approaches are equally acceptable. The physiological processes should be clearly identified.
Examples of how the environment may affect physiological processes include:
- effects of jet lag on bodily rhythms
- effects of deprivation on neuroplasticity
- effects of environmental stressors on reproductive mechanisms.
Examples of studies include, but are not limited to:
- Michael Meaney's (1988) study on how environmental stressors lead to hippocampal cell loss in rats
- Rosenzweig and Bennett's (1972) study on stimulating environments and dendritic branching
- Small and Vorgan's (2008) study on the effect of computer use on the brain.
- Studies by Maguire et al. (2000), Draganski et al. (2004), Brefczynski-Lewis et al. (2007) and Tierney et al. (2001).
Discussion may include but is not limited to:
- methodological and ethical issues
- other contributing factors - such as personality, age, or genetic predisposition
- empirical evidence
- application of the findings.
If a candidate discusses more than two effects of the environment, credit should be given only to the first two discussions.
If a candidate discusses only one effect of the environment, apply the markbands up to a maximum of [11 marks].