Key study - Draganski et al 2004

Aim:

• to find out whether the human brain can really change structure in response to environmental demands.

Method:

• The researchers used a random sampling design and a self-selected sample—they randomly allocated a sample of volunteers into one of two groups: jugglers and non-jugglers.
• They made sure that both groups had no experience of juggling before the start of the experiment.
• The first brain scan was performed at this point.
• Participants in the juggler group subsequently spent three months learning a classic juggling routine with three balls.
• The second brain scan was performed.
• Then the participants spent another three months where they were instructed not to practise juggling.
• Finally, the third brain scan was performed after this nonpractice period.
• The control group…