IB Psychology

Biological Approach
Sayana

Describe one study of neoplasticity in the brain. [9 marks]

The command term “describe” required you to give a detailed account of one study that
investigated neuroplasticity. Though the focus of this SAQ is describing this research, you
should have provided context by explaining what is meant by the concept of neuroplasticity.
At the very least, you should have explained that neuroplasticity involves changes in neural
connections that impact behavioural and cognitive processes. Your text states that
neuroplasticity refers to:

The development of neural networks through repetition and neural pruning is both
genetic and subject to environmental influences. Neural networks can change
developmentally, over time or after injury.

Your answer should then have focused on a detailed description of a study that you explicitly
[explicitly = clearly] linked to the neuroplasticity.

 Aim to include the following in any description of a research study:

 Name(s) of the investigator(s)
 Date the study was published
 Research question or aim
 Type of study undertaken
 Sample and sampling method (if known)
 Procedures
 Results and conclusions.

The following studies are relevant and recommended for an SAQ on this topic:

 Maguire et al.'s (2000) study on navigation (structural changes in the hippocampi of

taxi drivers)
 Tierney et al.’s (2001) study using PET scans to investigate language development.
 Dragansky’s (2004) study of neuroplasticity in jugglers

Other relevant studies include:

 Rosenzweig, Bennett and Diamond’s (1972) study on the role of environmental
factors on neuroplasticity
 Petanjek et al. (2011) study of neural pruning during puberty and early adolescence.

1
Markband Level descriptor
0 The answer does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.
The response is of limited relevance to or only rephrases the question.
1–3 Knowledge and understanding is mostly inaccurate or not relevant to the question.
The research supporting the response is mostly not relevant to the question and if relevant
only listed.
The response is relevant to the question, but does not meet the command term
requirements.
4–6
Knowledge and understanding is accurate but limited.
The response is supported by appropriate research which is described.
7–9 The response is fully focused on the question and meets the command term requirements.
Knowledge and understanding is accurate and addresses the main topics/problems
identified in the question.
The response is supported by appropriate research which is described and explicitly linked
to the question.

Score: 6/9

The response described NP and the study, but lacks strong links between the study and the
NP;

Reflections
Review your response and the comments provided by your teacher.
Reflect on the following:
 Did I explain the concept of neuroplasticity?
 Was my study relevant and did I describe it in detail?
 Did I clearly link the study to the concept?

Further reading:
Responding to the “Describe” Command Term.
Neural Pruning and the Adolescent Brain
Neuroplasticity and Poverty