Which statement is NOT a principle of neuroplasticity?

• A. Use it or lose it
• B. Experience-specific changes
• C. Random practice improves generalization
• D. Early intervention is needed

Answer: (C)

Neuroplasticity is driven by how activity reshapes brain connections, and established principles describe how practice and experience mold those changes. Use it or lose it means neural representations strengthen with use and can degrade when a function isn’t practiced. Experience-specific changes reflect that the brain’s rewiring is tied to the exact task being trained, so the changes you see depend on what you actually do. Early intervention is often emphasized because there’s a window after injury when the brain is especially receptive to reorganization, making timely therapy more effective.

The statement about random practice improving generalization isn’t a fundamental neuroplasticity principle. It comes from motor learning theory, where varied practice can enhance transfer and retention by creating more robust strategies and cognitive engagement during learning. While such practice can influence how skills are learned, it isn’t a basic rule about how the brain rewires itself at the neural level.