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Neuromyths in study techniques - study techniques

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ByOnlinecourses55

2025-01-19
Neuromyths in study techniques - study techniques


Neuromyths in study techniques - study techniques

Unfortunately, we live in a society that often accepts as true facts that lack scientific support. About the nervous system, its functioning and components, there is a lot of ignorance that gives rise to neuromyths, which are often spread in the educational environment.

The term neuromyth is attributed to the British neurosurgeon Alan Crockard, who used it at the end of the last century to describe unscientific data circulating about the human brain. Today, it is still used to refer to erroneous beliefs or incorrect interpretations of neuroscientific facts.

We use only 10% of the brain

This myth has been erroneously associated with Albert Einstein, although its origin dates back to the late 19th century, when some scientific research indicated that cognitive functions were only understood for a small portion of the brain. The idea spread that only that part was activated at specific times.

The reality is that we use 100% of our brain. This highly efficient organ consumes 20% of the oxygen and 50% of the glucose in our body. It was thought that activating the whole brain simultaneously was unfeasible due to the high energy expenditure, but neuroimaging studies have shown that the brain is fully activated to perform various tasks. Even during sleep, all areas of the brain are active.

The first 5 years of life are the only determinants

It is true that the first five years are crucial for development, but the neuromyth arises from the claim that they are the "only" important moments. Throughout our lives, we continue to develop cognitive and motor skills, which demonstrates the neuroplasticity of our brain, which allows us to learn at any stage of life.

The cerebral hemispheres

Interestingly, the hemispheres do not control the functions of the body parts to which their names refer. The left hemisphere coordinates the right side of the body and vice versa.

The functions of the hemispheres are not fixed and may vary between individuals. In general, the left hemisphere is associated with reasoning, language and technical skills, while the right hemisphere is related to creativity and imagination. However, both hemispheres are connected through thousands of axons, working together and not in isolation.

The Mozart effect

It was popularized the idea that playing a specific Mozart sonata improved children's attention and concentration when studying.

It is important to clarify that music can have positive effects on attention. There are studies that indicate that these stimuli can increase concentration and attention, however, the effect is not long-lasting and is not limited to a Mozart sonata, as it varies according to the personal tastes of each individual.

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