Bodies and Brains
The broad scope of this module is to relate body changes to brain changes. As you can tell from the text, the traditional focus until recently has been on noticeable changes in the body. With the advent of developmental theory, which provides a framework, and modern technology (PET and fMRI scans, for example) which provides the tools, we are now aware of how, even as the body is declining, the functioning of the brain may be increasing in complexity. Wow! This is news, and supports the intuition that some people, as they age, become 'wise'.
We will be looking at the growth of mental function over the lifespan (with limits in late old age, of course) in later modules, but perhaps you have enough information to begin to think about the impact this new knowledge has upon some aspect of your life or work that you care about.
Question:
Share a situation with the class about a change in your perceptions or actions due to the new knowledge about the potential increase in brain complexity over the lifetime. Perhaps it relates to a different way that you will teach (for the teachers), relate to your family members, or relate to yourself.
Sample Solution