Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

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The development of neural connections due to experience is called what process?

  1. Experience-expectant

  2. Cultural

  3. Experience-dependent

  4. Evolutionary

The correct answer is: Experience-dependent

The development of neural connections due to experience is termed experience-dependent. This process refers to the way in which the brain forms and strengthens synapses based on individual experiences, learning, and environmental interactions. For example, when a person learns a new skill, such as playing an instrument, specific neural pathways are activated and reinforced, leading to enhanced cognitive and motor capabilities. Experience-dependent plasticity emphasizes that these changes are unique to each individual’s experiences, as opposed to experience-expectant processes, where certain neural connections are formed in response to expected environmental stimuli common across species. The other options listed do not capture the nuanced role of personal experiences in shaping neural connections, thus highlighting why experience-dependent is the correct choice.