AP Psychology Practice Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The concept of plasticity in the brain refers to the capacity for modification and adaptation in response to experiences, learning, or environmental changes. This means that the brain can reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. This ability is crucial for recovery from injuries, accommodating new information, and adjusting to new environments or experiences.

Plasticity encompasses various phenomena, such as synaptic plasticity (changes in the strength of connections between neurons) and structural plasticity (physical changes in the brain's structure). This adaptability is especially significant during formative years but continues to some degree throughout adulthood, highlighting the dynamic nature of brain development and functioning.

Other options do not accurately capture the essence of plasticity. For instance, the concept of muscle strength is unrelated to neural efficiency and structure. Similarly, while the brain indeed performs mathematical calculations and processes visual information, these abilities do not pertain specifically to the adaptability or modification of the brain itself, which is the core focus of plasticity.