Homework: Brain Development
Overview
In this homework forum, you will be exploring different aspects of brain development and how nature and nurture influence its development.
Instructions
After reading about brain development from the prenatal period through adolescence:
a. Choose two aspects of brain development that were of most interest to you.
b. Describe these aspects of brain development and explain why you found them interesting/important.
For many years, scientists believed that brain development was strictly controlled by "nature" (genetics, biological development). According to the neuroconstructivist view, we now know that development of the brain is significantly influenced by nurture (experience). The ability of experience to change the structure and/or activity of the developing brain is known as "neuroplasticity."
a. Give two examples of how experience can impact brain development in an adverse way.
b. Give two examples of how experience can impact brain development in a positive way.
c. How can the concept of neuroplasticity be practically applied to furthering positive brain and behavioral outcomes? Support your view with a scholarly research article that demonstrates how experience can change the brain/behavior for the better. Post the link to the article for your classmates to review. Briefly summarize the key findings of the article.
Format your homework according to the give formatting requirements:
a. The answer must be double spaced, typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
b. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the course title, the student's name, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
c. Also include a reference page. The references and Citations should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.