Kes: Another article via MindHacks, but it discusses one of the words which is most inclined to make me begin yelling at whatever book I read it in: neuroplasticity. What does this annoyingly overused word actually mean? Whatever the user wants it to mean: note how infrequently the user offers any robust definition or context of the word, but merely relies on it as an abrcadabra word.
Link to Mind Hacks article on neuroplasticity
http://www.mindhacks.com/blog/2010/06/neuroplasticity_is_a.htmlBlock quote start
Neuroplasticity is common in popular culture at this point in time because mentioning the brain makes a claim about human nature seem more scientific, even if it is irrelevant (a tendency called 'neuroessentialism').
Clearly this is rubbish and every time you hear anyone, scientist or journalist, refer to neuroplasticity, ask yourself what specifically they are talking about. If they don't specify or can't tell you, they are blowing hot air. In fact, if we banned the word, we would be no worse off.
As every change in the brain can be referred to as 'neuroplasticity' you need to look out for what is actually meant. As we are constantly learning more about the brain, the possible list is endless, but here are some of the most common processes associated with the term...
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