PSYC 3684 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Paul Baltes, Neuroplasticity, Spatial Memory
Document Summary
Themes in developmental psychology (1) development occurs throughout the lifespan (not just in childhood) (2) development is multidirectional. Development involves often opposing and simultaneous aspects: Both gains and losses (3) development is characterized by lifelong plasticity. Plasticity: the capacity to change in response to both positive and negative experiences. Neuroplasticity: process by which the brain is molded or changed by experience. Hypothesis: structural changes in response to environmental demands even in adulthood (hippocampus involved in spatial memory) N=16 male taxi drivers, age = 44. N-50 male non-taxi driver, controls, mean age = 44. Correlation between taxi driving duration and hippocampal size. Changes in hippocampal size are acquired with experience involving spatial demands. Evidence for neuroplasticity in adults ( teaching an old dog new tricks ) Bronfenbrenner"s (2006) bioecological model (image in gapped notes) Exosystem: local institutions with no direct contact. Meso: conflicting messages from family and friends. Increased risk of medical and psychological disorders and mortality in childhood and adulthood.
