Question

In your view, what would be the best possible experiment to test whether extensive violin training changes the cortical representation for movements of the left hand? What would be some problems with this ideal experiment?

Answer 1

The best possible experiment to test whether extensive violin training changes the cortical representation for the movements of the left hand is gain -of- function experiment . As the change in neuronal plasticity is due to learning a new skill or function ,hence, is a gain of function .

The problems with this experiment is that the negative results can be confounded by other factors as targeting of insufficient numbers of neurons. Even the positive results can be confounded as it is difficult to establish link between NMDA receptors and memory.

The best way to avoid such problems in such experiment is to understand the causal correlation between the importance of learning violin to the individual. This correlative data ,along with the gain -of-function experiment would provide a better explanation for the changes in cortical representation.