The Effects of Rewards on Brain Development

In the laboratory, experiments show that the brain regions involved in touch develop higher resolution when there is a reward for decoding messages through touch. The same applies to the auditory cortex when there is a reward for identifying subtle differences in sounds. The brain changes based on what is rewarded, highlighting the importance of motivation and relevance. This understanding opens new pathways for recovery from brain damage, where motivation and relevance can play a role in rehabilitation.