Question

From the text How People Learn, synapse strength is driven by which of the following?

Question 1 options:

	random factors
	prenatal exposure to music
	aluminum concentrations in the post-synaptic cleft
	experience From the text How People Learn, rats had thicker cortical area and better problem-solving skills if they... Question 2 options: were genetically predisposed to be smart were given a rich social environment, regardless of the size of their play area or objects provided were given a rich social environment, a large play area and a variety of novel objects were given a large play area and a variety of novel objects, regardless of social situation need the answers

Answer 1

(Answer) (1) Experience

(PG – 126 - Studies have found alterations in the weight and thickness of the cerebral cortex of rats that had direct contact with a stimulating physical environment and an interactive social group. Subsequent work has revealed underlying changes in the structure of nerve cells and of the tissues that support their function. The nerve cells have a greater number of the synapses through which they communicate with each other.

The structure of the nerve cells themselves is correspondingly altered. Under at least some conditions, both astrocytes that provide support to the neurons and the capillaries that supply blood may also be altered. The

learning of specific tasks appears to alter the specific regions of the brain involved in the task. These findings suggest that the brain is a dynamic organ, shaped to a great extent by experience—by what a living being does,

and has done.)

(Answer) (2) were given a rich social environment, a large play area and a variety of novel objects

(Pg – 119 - Other studies of animals show other changes in the brain through learn ing; see Box 5.1. The weight and thickness of the cerebral cortex can be measurably altered in rats that are reared from weaning, or placed as adults, in a large cage enriched by the presence both of a changing set of objects for play and exploration and of other rats to induce play and exploration (Rosenzweig and Bennett, 1978). These animals also perform better on a variety of problem-solving tasks than rats reared in standard laboratory cages. Interestingly, both the interactive presence of a social group and direct physical contact with the environment are important factors: animals placed in the enriched environment alone showed relatively little benefit; neither did animals placed in small cages within the larger environment (Ferchmin et al., 1978; Rosenzweig and Bennett, 1972). Thus, the gross structure of the cerebral)

cortex was altered both by exposure to opportunities for learning and

by learning in a social context.