PDP4802 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE 24 JULY 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1 Define neuropsychology.
Neuropsychology is a subfield of cognitive psychology that is concerned with impaired
cognitive functioning resulting from brain injury, disease, or neurodevelopmental
conditions (PDP4802 Study Guide, LU 2, p. 43). Unlike cognitive neuroscience, which
focuses on the biological functions of the brain and mind, neuropsychology focuses
specifically on the assessment and understanding of how damage or dysfunction in the
brain affects cognitive processes such as memory, attention, language, thinking, and
behaviour (Donald, Lazarus & Moolla, 2014, Chapter 14). Neuropsychologists assess
individuals who have sustained brain injuries or who present with learning difficulties
and behavioural challenges to determine whether neurological functioning may be
causing these challenges (PDP4802 Study Guide, LU 2, p. 42-43).
1.2 Give two examples of neuro-physical disabilities that Thandi may have
developed from the car accident.
Based on the car accident described, Thandi may have developed the following neuro-
physical disabilities:
1. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) - TBI refers to damage to the brain caused by an
external physical force, such as the violent impact of a car accident. The brain may
have bounced against the inside of the skull (closed head injury) due to rapid
acceleration and deceleration forces (Krüger & Botha, 2016a, p. 307). TBI can result in
, lasting physical and cognitive impairments, including memory problems, paralysis, poor
balance, speech problems, and emotional difficulties (Landsberg, Krüger & Swart, 2019,
Chapter 13A, p. 265).
2. Epilepsy - Traumatic brain injury can cause epilepsy, as damage to brain tissue may
create an epileptogenic focus. Epilepsy is characterised by sudden, temporary
disturbances in brain function due to unusual electrical activity in the brain cells, which
can result in seizures (Krüger & Kapp, 2016, p. 343). Post-traumatic epilepsy may
develop months or even years after the initial head injury.
1.3 Thandi has symptoms of PTSD and will need medication and psychological
treatment to recover and improve her mental well-being.
1.3.1 Explain brain plasticity.
Brain plasticity, also known as neuroplasticity, refers to the brain's ability to form new
neural pathways and reorganise existing connections in response to learning,
experience, or injury (PDP4802 Study Guide, LU 2, p. 45). According to the Hebbian
model, "neurons that fire together, wire together" meaning that when neurons are
repeatedly activated simultaneously, they form stronger connections and establish
neural circuits or pathways that facilitate learning and memory (PDP4802 Study Guide,
LU 2, p. 45). Brain plasticity enables the brain to adapt, learn new information, modify
behaviour, and recover functions lost due to brain injury by creating alternative neural
routes and superimposing new pathways over old ones (PDP4802 Study Guide, LU 2, p.
45).
DUE 24 JULY 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1 Define neuropsychology.
Neuropsychology is a subfield of cognitive psychology that is concerned with impaired
cognitive functioning resulting from brain injury, disease, or neurodevelopmental
conditions (PDP4802 Study Guide, LU 2, p. 43). Unlike cognitive neuroscience, which
focuses on the biological functions of the brain and mind, neuropsychology focuses
specifically on the assessment and understanding of how damage or dysfunction in the
brain affects cognitive processes such as memory, attention, language, thinking, and
behaviour (Donald, Lazarus & Moolla, 2014, Chapter 14). Neuropsychologists assess
individuals who have sustained brain injuries or who present with learning difficulties
and behavioural challenges to determine whether neurological functioning may be
causing these challenges (PDP4802 Study Guide, LU 2, p. 42-43).
1.2 Give two examples of neuro-physical disabilities that Thandi may have
developed from the car accident.
Based on the car accident described, Thandi may have developed the following neuro-
physical disabilities:
1. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) - TBI refers to damage to the brain caused by an
external physical force, such as the violent impact of a car accident. The brain may
have bounced against the inside of the skull (closed head injury) due to rapid
acceleration and deceleration forces (Krüger & Botha, 2016a, p. 307). TBI can result in
, lasting physical and cognitive impairments, including memory problems, paralysis, poor
balance, speech problems, and emotional difficulties (Landsberg, Krüger & Swart, 2019,
Chapter 13A, p. 265).
2. Epilepsy - Traumatic brain injury can cause epilepsy, as damage to brain tissue may
create an epileptogenic focus. Epilepsy is characterised by sudden, temporary
disturbances in brain function due to unusual electrical activity in the brain cells, which
can result in seizures (Krüger & Kapp, 2016, p. 343). Post-traumatic epilepsy may
develop months or even years after the initial head injury.
1.3 Thandi has symptoms of PTSD and will need medication and psychological
treatment to recover and improve her mental well-being.
1.3.1 Explain brain plasticity.
Brain plasticity, also known as neuroplasticity, refers to the brain's ability to form new
neural pathways and reorganise existing connections in response to learning,
experience, or injury (PDP4802 Study Guide, LU 2, p. 45). According to the Hebbian
model, "neurons that fire together, wire together" meaning that when neurons are
repeatedly activated simultaneously, they form stronger connections and establish
neural circuits or pathways that facilitate learning and memory (PDP4802 Study Guide,
LU 2, p. 45). Brain plasticity enables the brain to adapt, learn new information, modify
behaviour, and recover functions lost due to brain injury by creating alternative neural
routes and superimposing new pathways over old ones (PDP4802 Study Guide, LU 2, p.
45).
