OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

What is the result of repeated practice of a new skill?

1. It decreases the number of existing neural connections

2. It weakens the existing pathways

3. It strengthens the connections between neurons

4. It has no effect on learning new skills

The correct answer is: It strengthens the connections between neurons

Repeated practice of a new skill leads to the strengthening of connections between neurons. This process is known as synaptic plasticity, where the repeated activation of certain pathways in the brain makes the synapses between the involved neurons more efficient. As a person practices a skill, the pathways used to perform that skill become more robust, making it easier to retrieve the information or execute the action in the future. When we learn something new, our brain creates new synaptic connections, and with repetition, these connections become stronger and more effective. This is why consistent practice can lead to improved performance and muscle memory, allowing individuals to perform tasks with greater ease and accuracy over time. This strengthening of neural connections is a fundamental aspect of learning and skill acquisition.