The Playful Brain: Venturing Limits of Neuroscience

For centuries the phenomenon of play has perplexed scientists across the board. Studies by biologists, psychologists, neuroscientists, anthropologists, and educators have excited keen debate and contention, producing diverse opinions that pose play as both a childish waste of time and a necessary tool in the development of a healthy, fulfilled individual. But so far the lack of empirical research has meant that questions about the functionality of play, its origins, and variety amongst different species remain unanswered. In this fully integrated study neuroscientists Sergio and Vivien Pellis address these questions, synthesizing three decades of empirical research to create a truly seminal study into the whys and wherefores of play.

Referencing a broad range of species and using the playful rat as their model, they investigate all the puzzling properties of this essential pastime including: the rough and tumble nature of play, its multi-functional purpose, the differences between male and female play, and what part evolution has had in it all. With implications for so many disciplines, the Pellises' original research and novel findings will not only expand our current knowledge of play behavior, but will inspire change and progress from the laboratory to the playground.