Briefly explain the process of "synaptic pruning."
What will be an ideal response?
Answer: Babies are born with many more neurons than they need, and although synapses are formed throughout life based on experiences, the billions of new synapses that are formed in the first two years of life are more numerous than necessary. Therefore, the brain has the capability of "pruning down" unnecessary neurons based on the infant's experiences in the world. The unnecessary neurons eventually die out, which increases the efficiency of the nervous system. The result of synaptic pruning is to allow established neurons to build more elaborate communication networks with other neurons.
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Doctors and nurses may try to "watch what they say" when performing surgery because
a. the concentration of other members of the surgical team is disrupted by unnecessary comments. b. people under anesthesia occasionally awaken completely during surgery. c. people under anesthesia maintain some awareness and can occasionally hear comments. d. the patient's family members occasionally overhear comments.
How could Erikson’s concepts of isolation versus intimacy apply to Dylan’s relationships with women? How do the motivations for behavior in evolutionary psychology and in Erikson’s theory compare?
What will be an ideal response?
Corey was in an automobile accident that resulted in an injury to her brain. She now has difficulty with her hearing and her memory. The part of her brain most likely injured was her __________
a. occipital lobe b. temporal lobe c. parietal lobe d. frontal lobe
Newborn kittens whose eyes are patched continue to develop connections in their visual cortex
Indicate whether the statement is true or false