Psych Chapter 3 Question Bank
155. Imagine that a picture of a spoon is briefly flashed in the left visual field of an individual with a severed corpus callosum. At the same time, a picture of a cup is briefly flashed in the right visual field. What would this individual likely say based on Roger Sperry's work with split-brain patients? a. "I saw a spoon resting in a cup." b . "I saw a cup." c . "I saw a spoon." d . "I didn't see anything."
"I saw a cup."
156. Imagine that a picture of a blue circle is briefly flashed in the left visual field of an individual with a severed corpus callosum. At the same time, a picture of a red square is briefly flashed in the right visual field. What would this individual likely say based on Roger Sperry's work with split-brain patients? a. "I saw a blue circle." b . "I didn't see anything." c . "I saw a red square." d . "I saw a blue circle around a red square."
"I saw a red square."
18. When a neuron is neither receiving nor sending, what is the approximate voltage of the electrical charge that exists between the inside and the outside of a neuron? a. -1000 millivolts b . -70 millivolts c . +70 millivolts d . +1000 millivolts
-70 millivolts
180. What is the genetic complement of all cells in the human body, except sex cells? a. 23 chromosomes b . 46 chromosomes c . 23 recessive genes and 23 dominant genes d . 46 heterozygous pairs
46 chromosomes
63. What is the distinction between afferent and efferent nerves? a. Afferent nerves take information to the central nervous system, while efferent nerves take information out from the central nervous system. b. Afferent nerves are motor neurons while efferent nerves are sensory neurons. c . Afferent nerves are in the peripheral nervous system, while efferent nerves are in the central nervous system. d . Afferent nerves take information to the muscles, while efferent nerves take in-formation to the central nervous system.
Afferent nerves take information to the central nervous system, while efferent nerves take information out from the central nervous system.
2. Which of the following is the most accurate description of the structure and function of all neurons in your central nervous system? a) All neurons contain a cell body and an axon, and may have other structures. b) All neurons receive information via one or more dendrites and send information via one or more axons. c) All neurons synapse onto another neuron in order to transmit an electrical signal. d) All neurons receive and send information.
All neurons receive and send information.
226. Which of the following is a valid hypothesis, considering both the Hebbian Learning Rule and evidence that there is a decline in the number of synapses in the human brain after about age one? a. Because we only use 10 percent of our brain at any given time, the decline in synapses after age one has no impact on functioning. b . We create new connections in infancy, and unless all the necessary connections are made before we are a year old, we will have difficulty learning for the rest of our lives because we start losing brain cells so early. c . Although the number of synapses decreases throughout the lifespan, the number of neurons does not decrease, and having a large number of neurons is more im-portant than having a large number of synapses. d . Although creating new connections between neurons is important, it is also im-portant to get rid of unnecessary or outdated connections in order to enhance the efficiency of processing within our brains.
Although creating new connections between neurons is important, it is also im-portant to get rid of unnecessary or outdated connections in order to enhance the efficiency of processing within our brains.
158. You are planning to conduct a study using children and adolescents of various ages, in order to examine their performance in tasks involving perceptual asymmetries. In these tasks, each hemisphere receives different pieces of information. What issue might you need to consider in terms of experimental control before you conduct your study? a. Younger children perform more poorly as a result of a limited attention span. bAs children age, they become less able to integrate perceptual information. . c . A young child has a more dominant right hemisphere, and will perform better. d . An older child has a more mature corpus callosum, and will perform better.
An older child has a more mature corpus callosum, and will perform better.
219. In your text, we saw that schizophrenia may be a function of abnormalities in neurotransmitter activity, structural defects in the brain, and genetic vulnerability. Which of the following unifying themes of your text do these findings support? a. Behaviour is determined by multiple causes. b . Psychology is empirical. c. Psychology evolves in a sociohistorical context. d . Our behaviour is shaped by our cultural heritage.
Behaviour is determined by multiple causes.
216. Why is it more difficult to study the evolution of behaviour compared to studying the evolution of physical traits? a. Behaviours may occur infrequently and may not last very long. b . Natural selection generally does not operate on behaviours. c . Behaviours are more susceptible to genetic drift. d . Behaviours tend to evolve more slowly.
Behaviours may occur infrequently and may not last very long.
199. What can we conclude about the heritability of intelligence, based on adoption studies? a. Genetics is the only determinant of intelligence. b . Adoption studies do not provide enough evidence to assess the relative contribu-tions of genetics and experience on intelligence. c . Family environment more strongly determines intelligence than genetics. d . Both genetics and environment contribute to intelligence.
Both genetics and environment contribute to intelligence.
185. Assume that developing a sixth toe is a recessive trait that is controlled by a single pair of genes. If a child has six toes, but both the child's biological parents have normal feet, what can you conclude? a. The child is heterozygous for the trait in question. b . Both parents are heterozygous for the trait in question. c . Both parents are homozygous for the trait in question. d . One parent is heterozygous for the trait, and the other parent is homozygous.
Both parents are heterozygous for the trait in question
144. What is the area of the frontal lobe that plays an important role in the production of speech? a. Sperry's area b . Broca's area c . Wernicke's area d . Cannon's area
Broca's area
145. Zeke has no problem understanding what other people say to him, but he has difficulty producing spoken language. If Zeke's problem stems from damage to the cerebral cortex, where do you expect the damage to be? a. right parietal lobe b . Wernicke's area c . cerebellum d . Broca's area
Broca's area
41. According to the Hebbian Learning Rule, if an axon of Cell A is near enough to repeatedly stimulate Cell B (causing it to fire often) then what will happen to Cell B? a. Cell B will become habituated to Cell A, and will stop responding to it. b . Changes will occur in the synapse between Cells A and B, but those changes will not affect firing in either cell. c . Cell B will die off, because it is redundant with Cell A. d . Changes will occur in the synapse between Cells A and B that will increase Cell A's efficiency in firing Cell B.
Changes will occur in the synapse between Cells A and B that will increase Cell A's efficiency in firing Cell B.
225. Dr. Sandra Witelson found that Einstein's brain was similar in terms of size and weight to most other brains, but that it had certain exceptionalities, including a wider parietal region and a distinct sylvian fissure. Which of the following is a reasonable statement about Einstein's brain given what we know about the role of environment for brain plasticity? a. Einstein was born with brain anomalies that led to his mathematical genius, and those anomalies were clearly visible in the autopsy. His experience would not change the actual structure of the brain. b . It must be due to the effects of practice that Einstein was so mathematically bril-liant, given that he had brain damage in an area that is particularly important for mathematical reasoning. c . Einstein may have been born with a predisposition toward mathematical genius, or his brain may have been changed as a result of so much practice, but his genius is likely to have been the result of some combination of genetics and experience. d . It is only the size of the brain that is critical for overall intelligence, but it doesn't really matter if some areas are more pronounced than others as every brain is a little bit different.
Einstein may have been born with a predisposition toward mathematical genius, or his brain may have been changed as a result of so much practice, but his genius is likely to have been the result of some combination of genetics and experience.
201. Donavon was adopted at birth by Mr. and Mrs. Erndt. Although neither of his biological parents had much musical ability, Donavon has become an excellent pianist, just like Mr. Erndt. What would this evidence suggest if this pattern held up across multiple adoption stud-ies? a. Genetic factors have more influence than environmental factors in musical talent. b . Environmental factors have more influence than genetic factors in musical talent. c . Neither genetic nor environmental factors contribute to musical talent. d . Both genetic and environmental factors contribute equally to musical talent.
Environmental factors have more influence than genetic factors in musical talent.
196. Londra and Sondra are identical twins who have been raised together in the same home. Londra has developed a psychological disorder, but Sondra does not appear to have the same disorder. What does this suggest about the disorder if this pattern holds for other identical twins? a. Genetic factors have more influence than environmental factors in this disorder. b . Both genetic and environmental factors contribute equally to this disorder. c . Neither genetic nor environmental factors contribute to this disorder. d . Environmental factors have more influence than genetic factors in this disorder.
Environmental factors have more influence than genetic factors in this disorder.
189. Shane and Blane are monozygotic twins. However, people seldom get the two brothers mixed up because Blane is almost 2 inches shorter than Shane. What can you conclude based on this evidence? a. Because the brothers display different phenotypes, they must also have different underlying genotypes. b . Even though both brothers share the same genotype, they display different pheno-types. c . Even though both brothers display the same phenotype, they have different geno-types. d . Blane is heterozygous for the "tallness" trait, and Shane is homozygous for the "tallness" trait.
Even though both brothers share the same genotype, they display different pheno-types.
22. Tracey became dehydrated during a recent illness, and the levels of sodium in her body were significantly reduced. What would we expect to occur if enough sodium was lost? a. Her nervous system would become highly activated and action potentials would be generated continuously. b . More neurotransmitters would be produced in her terminal buttons. c . Fewer action potentials would occur in her nervous system. d . Glial cells would start to degenerate and die.
Fewer action potentials would occur in her nervous system.
194. Four sisters were all raised in the same household by parents who are very creative and artistic. Anna and Betty are the biological children of their parents, while Cassie and Deanna were adopted as infants into the family. Like their parents, Anna and Betty are artistically in- clined and enjoy working on creative projects. Cassie and Deanna are not particularly interest-ed in artistic endeavours even though they've received a lot of exposure to art and a lot of en-couragement for creative work. Which of the following conclusions would be reasonable if this pattern occurred in a variety of similar families? a. Environmental factors have more influence than genetic factors in artistic interest. b . Both genetic and environmental factors contribute equally to artistic interest. c . Genetic factors have more influence than environmental factors in artistic inter-est. d . Neither genetic nor environmental factors contribute to artistic interest.
Genetic factors have more influence than environmental factors in artistic inter-est
197. Phong and Phan are identical twins who have been raised apart, in separate adoptive homes. However, both brothers have developed the same psychological disorder. What does this evi-dence suggest? a. Genetic factors have more influence than environmental factors in this disorder. b . Environmental factors have more influence than genetic factors in this disorder. c . Neither genetic nor environmental factors contribute to this disorder. d . Both genetic and environmental factors contribute equally to this disorder.
Genetic factors have more influence than environmental factors in this disorder.
204. Which of the following statements about Charles Darwin and the theory of evolution is NOT accurate? a. He suggested that variations in hereditary traits might affect organisms' ability to obtain resources. b . He identified natural selection as the mechanism that orchestrates the process of evolution. c . He was the first person to describe the process of evolution. d . He noted that some of the characteristics of organisms are passed down from one generation to the next.
He was the first person to describe the process of evolution.
218. Which of the following statements most accurately reflects the roles of heredity and environment in shaping our behaviour? a. Heredity plays an indirect role in shaping our behaviour. b . Researchers have identified genes for specific behaviours, such as aggression. c . Genes exert their influence on behaviour with little impact from environmental factors. d . Genetic factors have little influence on behaviour.
Heredity plays an indirect role in shaping our behaviour.
50. Garrett has a chronic disease that is slowly destroying the cells that produce serotonin in his brain. Which of the following will likely happen to Garrett as his disease progresses? a. His memory will gradually worsen. b . He will start to show signs of Parkinson's disease. c . His sleeping and waking cycles will be disrupted. d . He will begin to experience symptoms of schizophrenia.
His sleeping and waking cycles will be disrupted
217. What makes a behaviour adaptive, according to evolutionary theory? a. It decreases the amount of genetic drift in the population. b . It increases the likelihood of favourable mutations. c . It aids the survival and/or reproduction of an organism and its offspring. d . It increases the probability of natural selection.
It aids the survival and/or reproduction of an organism and its offspring.
214. Humans' taste preferences for fatty substances would have conferred a survival advantage for our ancestors, but in our modern environment, where we have an overabundance of food, that preference can end up causing obesity and illness. What would an evolutionary psychologist say about this trend? a. It tends to occur when recessive genes mutate into dominant traits. b . It is an example of an adaptation that has become a liability. c . It is a consequence of genetic drift across several generations. d . It represents the paradox of inclusive fitness.
It is an example of an adaptation that has become a liability.
45. What does an agonist do? a. It extends the absolute refractory period of neural transmission. b . It blocks the action of neurotransmitters. c . It mimics the action of a neurotransmitter. d . It prevents reuptake of neurotransmitters.
It mimics the action of a neurotransmitter.
227. Drug 8K43 is a stimulant drug that acts by blocking the reuptake of dopamine in the nervous system. This means that dopamine stays in the synapse longer and continues to stimulate the postsynaptic neuron. Based on this information, what can we infer about the effects of dopamine on the postsynaptic neuron? a. It produces excitatory postsynaptic potentials. b . It blocks the receptor channels in the postsynaptic neuron. c . It cancels out excitatory potentials generated by other neurons. d . It reduces inhibitory postsynaptic potentials.
It produces excitatory postsynaptic potentials.
167. What does the endocrine system do? a. It connects the two cerebral hemispheres of the brain. b . It secretes hormones. c . It manufactures myelin. d . It forms the basis of reflexive behaviours.
It secretes hormones.
44. How does nicotine function as an agonist? a. It stimulates some muscarinic synapses. b . It occupies acetylcholine receptor sites, thus blocking the action of the neuro-transmitter. c . It stimulates some acetylcholine synapses. d . It inhibits some dopamine synapses.
It stimulates some acetylcholine synapses.
206. If our planet were a place where each individual has the opportunity to acquire all necessary resources (including mates) and each individual reproduces one offspring in his or her life-time, what impact would this have on the process of evolution by natural selection? a. It would not occur, because there would be no opportunity for some traits to be passed on more often than other traits. b . It would not change, because there would still be some individuals who were better than others. c . It would not occur because there would be no differences between individuals. d . It would have no impact on natural selection, but it would lead to an increase in the proliferation of mutations.
It would not occur, because there would be no opportunity for some traits to be passed on more often than other traits.
203. What do we know about the heritability of schizophrenia? a. Schizophrenia has no relationship to one's genetic endowment and is primarily social in origin. b . Schizophrenia is inherited through the male line, which is why we don't see evi-dence of heritability from mothers to children. c . Schizophrenia is an inherited trait that is uninfluenced by one's environment. d . Schizophrenia has a strong inherited predisposition that interacts with one's environment.
Schizophrenia has a strong inherited predisposition that interacts with one's environment.
83. Imagine that you are looking at a printout from an electroencephalograph and you see a change from fairly short waves that are close together to waves that are tall and farther apart. What could you infer has happened to the person whose waves have been recorded? a. She fell asleep. b . She is having a seizure. c . She is concentrating. d . She experienced anxiety.
She fell asleep
221. Kim is good at reading maps and enjoys listening to music. What would some researchers suggest about Kim, according to the Personal Application: Two Brains in One? a. She is left-brained. b . She is mid-brained. c . She is hemispheric. d . She is right-brained.
She is right-brained.
19. Bradley is deeply relaxed and his muscles are not moving at all. What does this suggest about Bradley's motor neurons? a. Sodium ions and potassium ions are both concentrated inside the neurons. bSodium ions are concentrated outside the neurons and potassium ions are concen- . trated inside the neurons. c . Sodium ions and potassium ions are both concentrated outside the neurons. d . Sodium ions are concentrated inside the neurons and potassium ions are concen-trated outside the neurons.
Sodium ions are concentrated outside the neurons and potassium ions are concen-trated inside the neurons.
38. What happens when a neurotransmitter is released, but it does not fit into a suitable receptor channel on the postsynaptic neuron? a. The firing potential of the postsynaptic neuron will not be affected. b . An inhibitory postsynaptic potential will be generated. c . The strength of the action potential in the presynaptic neuron will increase. d. An excitatory postsynaptic potential will be generated.
The firing potential of the postsynaptic neuron will not be affected.
93. In the Featured Study that examined the areas of the brain that are active during certain cognitive tasks, it was determined that the left and right prefrontal cortex is active during dif-ferent types of tasks. Which portion is active during which type of task? a. The left is active during syllable tasks while the right is active during semantic tasks. b . The left is active during semantic tasks while the right is active during syllable tasks. c . The left is active during any sort of semantic task while the right is active during self-referring semantic tasks. d . The left is active during self-referring semantic tasks, while the right is active during all other semantic tasks.
The left is active during any sort of semantic task while the right is active during self-referring semantic tasks.
20. What happens when sodium channels open, allowing sodium ions to flow into a neuron? a. The neuron returns to its resting potential. b . The axon hillock becomes inactivated. c . The likelihood of an action potential is unchanged. d . The likelihood of an action potential increases
The likelihood of an action potential increases
210. If Trall, the friendly Neanderthal, is born with a genetic mutation, what will happen to Trall in an evolutionary sense? a. Trall will die, and will be unable to pass the mutation on to subsequent genera-tions. b . The mutation may be either beneficial, in which case Trall's fitness may be en-hanced, or the mutation may be deleterious, in which case it would be selected against due to Trall's reduced fitness. c . Trall may live a normal life, but a mutation is a temporary genetic anomaly so it cannot be spread to others in the population. d . Mutations are part of the phenotype, not the genotype, so they won't impact Trall's fitness.
The mutation may be either beneficial, in which case Trall's fitness may be en-hanced, or the mutation may be deleterious, in which case it would be selected against due to Trall's reduced fitness.
152. Which of the following procedures is done in order to study the functional specialization of the two sides of the brain? a. The subject has the dominant hand restrained. b . The two sides are surgically disconnected. c . Information is sent to only one eye and one ear, both on the same side of the body. d . The right hemisphere is temporarily paralyzed.
The two sides are surgically disconnected.
28. Fiona puts her hands into a sinkful of lukewarm water; Luke puts his hands into a sinkful of ice-cold water. What should we predict about each of their action potentials? a. Fiona's will be weaker because the stimulus is less intense. b . Luke's will travel a shorter distance because the stimulus is more intense. c . Their action potentials will be the same due to the all-or-none principle. d . Their action potentials will be distinguished by the amount of inhibition.
Their action potentials will be the same due to the all-or-none principle.
25. Which of the following is known about action potentials? a. They travel more slowly if the incoming stimulation is less intense. b . They are stronger when the incoming stimulation is more intense. c . They are generated in an all-or-none fashion. d . They are seldom strong enough to reach the terminal buttons.
They are generated in an all-or-none fashion.
172. Hormones tend to be released in a pulsatile pattern. What does this mean? a. They are released at an unpredictable rate. b . They are released on demand. c . They are released in a steady, invariant rhythm. d . They are released in brief bursts at various times.
They are released in brief bursts at various times.
16. Which of the following is a characteristic of both sodium and potassium ions? a. They carry a negative charge. b . They are concentrated inside the neuron's cell body. c . They carry a positive charge. d . They are concentrated outside the neuron's cell body.
They carry a positive charge.
14. What do glial cells do? a. They form the primary components of the spinal cord. b . They provide structural support for neurons. c . They release neurotransmitters. d . They release neuromodulators.
They provide structural support for neurons.
56. Opiate drugs bind onto the same receptor sites as the body's own endorphins. What effect, then, do opiate drugs have? a. They increase anxiety and agitation. b . They inhibit all sensations. c . They produce insomnia. d . They relieve pain.
They relieve pain.
32. What do synaptic vesicles do? a. They control the speed with which a neuron fires. b . They store neurotransmitters. c . They provide energy for a neuron's activity. d . They manufacture myelin.
They store neurotransmitters.
224. Which of the following features do all of the studies highlighting the possible importance of early experience in animals have in common? a. The researchers used very small samples. b . They used species that cannot be logically compared to humans. c . They used relatively crude measures of brain growth. d . They used extreme conditions to make their comparisons.
They used extreme conditions to make their comparisons.
29. Peggy smells a very strong odour; Harry smells an odour that is barely detectable. Based on what is known about neural transmission, what should we predict about each of their action potentials? a. They will be the same in both individuals due to the all-or-none principle. b . They will travel a shorter distance in Peggy's system because the stimulus is more intense. c . They will be weaker in Harry's system because the stimulus is less intense. d . They will be distinguished by the amount of inhibition they exert on synapses.
They will be the same in both individuals due to the all-or-none principle.
205. Imagine that you and Charles Darwin are standing in a barn, looking at a newborn litter of kittens. There are differences in the kittens in terms of size, colouring, temperament and appetite. As you observe the kittens, you ask Mr. Darwin which of the kittens will be most "fit" in terms of natural selection. What would Mr. Darwin be most likely to say in response to your question? a. "We won't know which one is most fit until we can determine how many off-spring each of them will have." b . "Well, because they are all related and carry the same genes, they all have equal fitness." c . "That grey one, because he is the strongest and the most aggressive." d . "The calico, because she is most attractive."
We won't know which one is most fit until we can determine how many off-spring each of them will have."
146. If you have difficulty understanding the meaning of speech as a consequence of brain damage, where is the damage likely to be located? a. Broca's area b . corpus callosum c . pituitary gland d . Wernicke's area
Wernicke's area
147. Monique is not able to understand spoken language. If Monique's problem stems from damage to the cerebral cortex, where is the damage likely to be? a. Wernicke's area b . cerebellum c . Broca's area d . right parietal lobe
Wernicke's area
15. What would happen if you were to lose all of your glial cells? a. There would be no change in functioning, because neurons are the cells that are important for transmission of information within the nervous system. b. One hemisphere could not send information to the other hemisphere. c . Your neurons would no longer have a normal chemical environment, and there would be problems with efficient neurotransmission. d . You would no longer be able to send neurotransmitters from one glial cell to an-other.
Your neurons would no longer have a normal chemical environment, and there would be problems with efficient neurotransmission.
168. What is a hormone? a. an enzyme produced by the hypothalamus b . a chemical stored in the synapse c . a neurotransmitter that crosses into the bloodstream d . a chemical secreted into the blood by a gland
a chemical secreted into the blood by a gland
39. What is a good analogy for the way in which a neurotransmitter binds to receptor sites? a. the lowering of a drawbridge b . a key fitting in a lock c . the pulling of a gun trigger d . the opening and closing of a window
a key fitting in a lock
94. Milo's doctors believe he might have schizophrenia, but before they make their final diagnosis they want to study detailed, three-dimensional images of Milo's brain structures. Which technique are the doctors most likely to use in this case? a. an electroencephalograph (EEG) recording b . electrical stimulation of the brain (ESB) c . a positron emission tomography (PET) scan d . a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
150. If you knew that a surgeon was about to do a surgery in which the cerebral hemispheres of the brain would be surgically disconnected, who is he going to operate on? a. a patient in a coma b . a patient with epilepsy c . a patient with schizophrenia d . a patient with antisocial personality disorder
a patient with epilepsy
191. Skin colour is determined by three to five gene pairs. What type of trait is skin colour? a. a monogenic trait b . a polygenic trait c . a polymorphous trait d . a dominant trait
a polygenic trait
92. Ricardo just came back from seeing a neurologist. Ricardo tells you that he will be having a test in which images of his brain will be recorded after radioactive chemicals have been in-jected into his bloodstream. What test will his neurologist be using? a. a computerized tomography (CT) scan b . a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan c a positron emission tomography (PET) d . scanelectrical stimulation of the brain (ESB)
a positron emission tomography (PET)
Which cells in the nervous system do the work of receiving, integrating, and transmitting information? a) neurons b) neurotransmitters c) neurilemma d) neuroblasts
a) neurons
198. Maryse and Cerise are identical twins who have been raised apart, in separate adoptive homes. Maryse has developed a psychological disorder, but Cerise does not appear to have the same disorder. What does this evidence suggest? a. Environmental factors have more influence than genetic factors in this disorder. b . Both genetic and environmental factors contribute equally to this disorder. c . Neither genetic nor environmental factors contribute to this disorder. dGenetic factors have more influence than environmental factors in this disorder.
a. Environmental factors have more influence than genetic factors in this disorder.
6. On a typical neuron, which structure receives the information, and which structure sends information to other neurons? a. dendrites receive; axons send b . axons send; synapses receive c . dendrites receive; synapses send d . axons receive; dendrites send
a. dendrites receive; axons send
23. The neurons in Noor's arm just sent a neural impulse. It will be 1-2 milliseconds before another neural impulse can be generated. What do we call this brief time increment, when an-other neural impulse cannot occur? a. resting potential b . absolute refractory period c . postsynaptic discharge d . all-or-none period
absolute refractory period
24. What is the term for the minimum length of time between action potentials? a. relative threshold period b . transduction interval c . absolute refractory period d . synaptic interval
absolute refractory period
42. Which of the following neurotransmitters is primarily involved in the activation of motor neurons controlling skeletal muscles? a. GABA b . acetylcholine c . serotonin d. norepinephrine
acetylcholine
43. Jeremy is sitting quietly when the voluntary muscles in his left leg begin to twitch. Which neurotransmitter is likely being released? ? a. serotonin b . norepinephrine c . acetylcholine d . GABA
acetylcholine
213. What do we call an inherited characteristic that, through natural selection, increases in a population because it helps to solve a survival problem at the time it emerges? a. dominant gene b . genetic mutation c . adaptation d . homozygous pairing
adaptation
119. Madeleine has learned to fear thunder and lightning storms. Which area of her brain was likely very active when Madeleine's fear was first acquired? a. left temporal lobe b . amygdala c . Wernicke's area d . midbrain
amygdala
120. By altering brain structures, an evil scientist has created superheroes who have specialized powers or abilities. One of these superheroes is absolutely fearless and willing to undertake extremely dangerous missions. In this case, what brain structure was most likely altered? a. amygdala b . midbrain c . cerebellum d . medulla
amygdala
46. Curare blocks the action of acetylcholine by occupying its receptor sites. In this context, what is curare? a. an accelerant b . an agonist c . an asymptote d . an antagonist
an antagonist
21. What is an action potential? a. an electrical signal that travels along the axon of a neuron b . the small gap that exists between adjacent neurons c . the tiny electrical charge that exists when a neuron is neither receiving nor send-ing information d . an electrical signal that travels along the dendrites of a neuron
an electrical signal that travels along the axon of a neuron
81. Standing outside a football stadium and judging the excitement of the game by the crowd's screams is analogous to "eavesdropping" on the brain using which of the following? a. electrical stimulation b . MRI scanning c . higher-order scanning d . an electroencephalograph
an electroencephalograph
80. To confirm a diagnosis of epilepsy, a neurologist needs to record the overall electrical activity in Hillary's brain. What would be the best way for the neurologist to obtain this information? amagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) . b . an electroencephalograph (EEG) c . transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) d . a computerized tomography (higher-order) scan
an electroencephalograph (EEG)
153. Because the speech centre is generally located in the left hemisphere of the brain, what would a split-brain patient be unable to describe? a. an object seen in the left visual field b . an object felt with the right hand c . an object seen in the right visual field d . an object presented directly in front of him or her
an object seen in the left visual field
55. Dr. Athorp has just discovered a new drug named P3X that is an agonist for GABA. What effects will this drug likely have? a. hallucinations and disrupted sleep patterns b . general stimulation within the body and an increase in heart rate c . a reduction in pain and a sense of euphoria d . anxiety reduction and general relaxation
anxiety reduction and general relaxation
8. Emma has multiple sclerosis. What would you likely find if you could view her nervous system? a. a reduction in the number of chloride ions in her peripheral nervous system b . areas where the myelin sheath has degenerated c . areas where the dendrites are severely damaged d . a lack of neurotransmitters in some neurons
areas where the myelin sheath has degenerated
48. Dr. Ferracane has just discovered a new drug named GL8 that produces side effects such as paralysis and memory loss. Based on this information, how might this drug be acting on the nervous system? a. as an agonist for GABA b . as an antagonist for GABA c . as an antagonist for acetylcholine d . as an agonist for acetylcholine
as an antagonist for acetylcholine
66. Which part of the nervous system controls digestion and the flow of blood? a. somatic b . motor c . autonomic d . sensory
autonomic
10. In computers, when the print command is executed, a cable carries this signal from the computer to the printer. In comparing a computer to a neuron, what is the neuronal equivalent to the cable? a. synapse b . soma c . dendrites d . axon
axon
178. What do we call the interdisciplinary field that studies the influence of inherited traits on complex behaviour? a. cross-cultural anthropology b . behavioural genetics c . physiological psychology d . ethology
behavioural genetics
157. If a right-handed subject whose corpus callosum has been cut were asked to reproduce a drawing, what could we predict? a. best performance by the left hand b . best performance by the right hand c . equal performance by the two hands d . an inability to draw with either hand
best performance by the left hand
229. Which of the following does NOT belong with the others? a. bihemispheric integration b . positron emission tomography c . magnetic resonance imaging d . electroencephalograph
bihemispheric integration
200. Which of the following comparison groups has a significant similarity with adopted children, based on research on adopted children and intelligence? a. their biological parents b . both sets of parents c . their adoptive parents d . neither set of parents
both sets of parents
170. How are hormones transported throughout the body? a. within the lymph nodes b . by the nervous system c . by the limbic system d . by the bloodstream
by the bloodstream
7. In computers, the keyboard receives input and passes that information along to the computer's central processing unit (CPU). What would the keyboard be equivalent to, in comparing a computer to a neuron? a. axon b . soma c . dendrites d . terminal buttons
c) dendrites
4. What are three basic components of most neurons? a. vesicles, terminal buttons, synapses b . myelin, nodes, axon terminals c . cell body, axon, dendrites d . hindbrain, midbrain, forebrain
cell body, axon, dendrites
59. What are the two most basic divisions of the nervous system? a. somatic nervous system and autonomic nervous system b . brain and spinal cord c . sympathetic division and parasympathetic division d . central nervous system and peripheral nervous system
central nervous system and peripheral nervous system
103. The drunk-driving suspect was unable to hold his hand out to the side and bring his finger to a stop on his nose because activity in one of his brain structures was depressed by alcohol. Giv-en this symptom, which brain structure is impaired? a. corpus callosum b . hypothalamus c . medulla d . cerebellum
cerebellum
104. Wanda fell down some stairs and hit her head. Prior to her accident she was an excellent flute player, but she now has difficulty coordinating the finger movements required in complex musical pieces. Which of the following brain areas was likely damaged in the fall? a. reticular formation b . cerebellum c . amygdala d . temporal lobe
cerebellum
105. Gaspar was a world-class diver until he hit his head on the diving board during one of his dives. He now has difficulty coordinating the movements required for various tucks and rota-tions. Which of the following areas of Gaspar's brain is likely damaged? a. temporal lobe b . reticular formation c . cerebellum d . amygdala
cerebellum
78. What type of fluid nourishes the brain and provides a protective cushion for it? a. parasympathetic b . cerebrospinal c . amniotic d . somatic
cerebrospinal
124. What is the largest and most complex part of the human brain? a. cerebellum b . medulla c . limbic system d . cerebrum
cerebrum
125. Which brain structure is responsible for the human ability to engage in higher mental activity such as thinking and philosophizing? a. hypothalamus b . corpus callosum c . cerebellum d . cerebrum
cerebrum
179. Which of the following carry genetic information in the form of DNA? a. nucleotides b . chromosomes c . ribosomes d . rhizomes
chromosomes
89. Sigourney's doctors think she might have a tumour, and they would like to use a brain-imaging technique that will provide them with an accurate image of her brain structure. What technique are they most likely to use? a. electrical stimulation of the brain (ESB) b . positron emission tomography (PET) scan c . computerized tomography (CT) scan d . electroencephalograph (EEG) recording
computerized tomography (CT) scan
101. What is the primary function of the cerebellum? a. coordinating body movement b . storing semantic memory c . processing visual information d . controlling blood pressure
coordinating body movement
126. Which structure connects the two cerebral hemispheres? a. pineal gland b . parietal lobe c . corpus callosum d . thalamus
corpus callosum
49. What seems to be a primary cause of Parkinson's disease? a. degeneration of neurons that use dopamine as a neurotransmitter b . enzymatic deficiency that does not allow for the proper cleanup of waste products in the nervous system c . agonistic chemical action on the receptor sites of the cerebrum d . damage to glial cells
degeneration of neurons that use dopamine as a neurotransmitter
5. Which neuronal structures are analogous to branches on a tree? a. dendrites b . axons c . nuclei d . cell bodies
dendrites
12. Which of the following is the correct sequence of structures through which information flows in a neuron? a. dendrites to axon to soma b . axon to glia to dendrites c . glia to dendrites to axon d . dendrites to soma to axon
dendrites to soma to axon
51. In which of the following conditions do abnormalities at norepinephrine and serotonin synapses appear to play a role? a. depression b . schizophrenia c . paralysis d . delirium
depression
108. Erin suffered a brain injury and her neurologist has told her that there is damage to her reticular formation. Which of the following symptoms is Erin most likely to experience? a. loss of fine motor coordination b . disruption of her sleep and wake cycles c . inability to initiate movement d . inability to accurately locate objects in space
disruption of her sleep and wake cycles
141. If one group of animals is raised in a stimulating environment and another group of animals is raised in a boring environment, which of the following should be enhanced in the animals raised in the stimulating environment? a. pathogenesis b . dendritic branching c . demylenization d . distance between neurons
distance between neurons
137. Which of the following is strongly correlated with the amount of motor cortex devoted to each body area? a. size of the body area b . location of the body area c . size of the muscles in the body area d . diversity of movements of the body area
diversity of movements of the body area
184. What do we call the member of a gene pair that is more influential in terms of expressing a trait? a. phenotypic b . expressive c . recessive d . dominant
dominant
65. Through which type of nerves does the brain send messages to the skeletal muscles in the legs when you are walking? a. central b . afferent c . efferent d . sensory
efferent
87. Taylor has to have brain surgery to remove a tumour from her temporal lobe. As the surgery progresses, the surgeon plans to map out specific brain function in the areas adjacent to the tumour. What method is the surgeon is most likely to use? a. electrical stimulation of the brain (ESB) b . positron emission tomography (PET) scanning c . stereotaxic lesioning d . computerized tomography (CT) scanning
electrical stimulation of the brain (ESB)
79. If brain damage is suspected, which of the following methods is most likely to be used to assess the damage? a. electroencephalograph b . lesioning c . electrocardiograph d . electrode implantation
electroencephalograph
220. Much of what we know about left brain/right brain differences would not be known without systematic research and analysis. The current interest in the right brain/left brain phenomenon highlights the importance of approaching topics such as this from which point of view? a. conjectural b . empirical c . anecdotal d . subjective
empirical
166. What do we call the system of glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream? a. exocrine b . endocrine c . blood-brain d . atopic
endocrine
169. Which system is malfunctioning for individuals who have hormonal imbalances? a. apocrine b . endocrine c . dopamine d . limbic
endocrine
57. Which type of chemical that is produced in the body resembles the opiates? a. acetylcholines b . dopamines c . endorphins d . biogenic amines
endorphins
58. If you were making a new drug to treat pain, which type of neurotransmitter would you attempt to mimic? a. dopamine b . monoamines c . acetylcholine d . endorphins
endorphins
148. What has traditionally been the main reason for the characterization of the left hemisphere as the "dominant" hemisphere? a. evidence that the left hemisphere usually processes complex information b . evidence that the left hemisphere usually processes language c . the fact that the majority of people are right-handed d . evidence that patients use only their left hemisphere for processing information, after split-brain surgery
evidence that the left hemisphere usually processes language
33. What type of electric potential increases the likelihood that the postsynaptic neuron will fire? a. all-or-none potential b . excitatory postsynaptic potential c . inhibitory postsynaptic potential d . excitatory presynaptic potential
excitatory postsynaptic potential
117. Aretha had severe epilepsy, and surgeons removed portions of her hippocampus to control the severity of her seizures. What ability is likely to be affected by Aretha's surgery? a. controlling her urges to eat and drink b . forming new memories c . expressing emotions appropriately d . interpreting sensory information accurately
forming new memories
211. What occurs when gene frequencies in a population shift because some individuals leave the population (emigration) and others enter it (immigration)? a. genetic drift b . mutation c natural selection . d . gene flow
gene flow
3. Which of the following is NOT one of the main functions of neurons? a. integrating information b . generating information c . transmitting information d . receiving information
generating information
182. Which of the following are generally considered the key functional units in hereditary transmission? a. limens b . genes c . chromosomes d . dichromats
genes
202. What is the term for determining the location of specific genes on specific chromosomes? a. chromosomal atlasing b . phenomapping c . genome projection d . genetic mapping
genetic mapping
186. What is the term for the specific pattern of genes that an individual inherits at conception? a. phenotype b . haplotype c . polygenic inheritance d . genotype
genotype
188. Which of the following is determined at conception and is essentially fixed forever? a. phenotype b . somatotype c . genotype d . prototype
genotype
13. What are the cells that provide structural support and insulation for neurons? a. neuromodulators b . dendrites c . glia d . somata
glia
176. Which gland secretes hormones associated with the development of secondary sex characteristics? a. duodenum b . pancreas c . thyroid d . gonad
gonad
177. Some individuals reach puberty before others. Which glands would be important to examine if you wished to explore the role of the endocrine system in producing these differences? asebaceous glands . b . pancreas c . thyroid glands d . gonads
gonads
133. With which of the following can you expect to have problems if you have damaged your temporal lobe? a. hearing b . sight c . touch d . taste
hearing
183. What do we call a pairing of genes with one dominant and one recessive gene? a. homozygous b. phenotypic c . heterozygous d . polygenic
heterozygous
118. By altering brain structures, an evil scientist has created superheroes who have specialized powers or abilities. One of these superheroes has a fantastic memory and is able to form new memories incredibly well. In this case, which brain structure was likely altered? a. pons b . hippocampus c . reticular formation d . amygdala
hippocampus
112. Juan is in a state of high arousal. His heart is beating quickly and he is perspiring. Which brain area is largely responsible for controlling these automatic responses? a. temporal lobe b . limbic system c . hippocampus d . hypothalamus
hypothalamus
113. If you destroy one area of the brain, an animal will lose all interest in food and may well starve to death. Which area is it? a. thalamus b . cerebellum c . medulla d . hypothalamus
hypothalamus
114. If a person has a brain tumour that results in a disruption of his or her eating behaviour, which of the following areas is the most likely location of the tumour? a. thalamus b . hypothalamus c . brainstem d . cerebellum
hypothalamus
115. By altering brain structures, an evil scientist has created superheroes who have specialized powers or abilities. One of these superheroes seldom feels hungry or thirsty and can go for days without feeling the need to eat or drink. Which brain area has likely been altered? a. thalamus b . hypothalamus c . hippocampus d . reticular formation
hypothalamus
122. Research by Olds and Milner identified a "pleasure centre" in rat brains and researchers have determined that rats will press a lever thousands of times in order to have a tiny electrode stimulate this area of the brain. What brain area is it? a. hypothalamus b . corpus callosum c . frontal lobe of the occipital cortex d . brainstem
hypothalamus
171. Which portion of the nervous system controls the endocrine system? a. cerebellum b. hypothalamus c . thalamus d .medulla
hypothalamus
193. Which two individuals would we expect to have the greatest degree of phenotypic similarity? a. two sisters who are fewer than two years apart in age b . identical twins c . fraternal twins d . parent and child
identical twins
31. Where are neurotransmitters stored? a. in the dendrites b . in the mitochondria c . in the nacelles d . in the synaptic vesicles
in the synaptic vesicles
215. Some individuals sacrifice themselves to protect their relatives. What evolutionary theory explains how self-sacrifice can be adaptive? a. genetic flow b . inclusive fitness c. genetic drift d . parental investment
inclusive fitness
54. Caitlin has taken a drug that has reduced the levels of GABA in her nervous system. What side effect is Caitlin likely to experience? a. motor tics and other involuntary motor movements b . increased levels of anxiety c . depression d . hallucinations
increased levels of anxiety
35. The voltage at a receptor site has just changed from -70 millivolts to -67 millivolts. What will this lead to? a. an absolute refractory period b . increased likelihood of an action potential c . decreased likelihood of an action potential d . a relative refractory period
increased likelihood of an action potential
34. The voltage at a receptor site has just changed from -70 millivolts to -75 millivolts. What caused the change? a. excitatory postsynaptic potential b . influx of potassium ions c. influx of sodium ions d . inhibitory postsynaptic potential
inhibitory postsynaptic potential
149. For most people, which area of the brain is associated with language? a. left cerebral hemisphere b . right cerebral hemisphere c . central cerebral hemisphere d . posterior cerebral hemisphere
left cerebral hemisphere
132. Omar suffered a stroke, and even though he has recovered many functions, he finds he is still relatively insensitive to pain signals from his right leg. In this case, which lobe is damaged? a. left frontal b . right temporal c . left parietal d . right parietal
left parietal
84. Dr. Smith destroys a small piece of tissue in the forebrain of a rat in order to determine whether that area is important for maze-learning. What is this technique called? a. stereotaxic inversion b . ESB c . tumour ligation d . lesioning
lesioning
85. Which of the following research techniques is least likely to be used to study the human brain? a. electrical stimulation b . cortex mapping c . lesioning d . recording electrical signals with an EEG
lesioning
116. Which of the following brain structures is most closely associated with the regulation of emotion? a. cerebellum b . reticular formation c . brainstem d . limbic system
limbic system
121. Where do "pleasure centres" in the brain appear to be most heavily concentrated? a. brainstem b . corpus callosum c . endocrine system d . limbic system
limbic system
82. Paul is wide awake and studying for an upcoming exam. While he is studying, his brain activity is being recorded using an electroencephalograph (EEG). Which type of waves is like-ly to dominate Paul's EEG readings? a. high-voltage, high-frequency brain waves b . low-voltage, high-frequency brain waves c . high-voltage, low-frequency brain waves d . low-voltage, low-frequency brain waves
low-voltage, high-frequency brain waves
123. Where exactly in the brain should an electrode be placed in order to induce an animal to press a lever that will result in electrical brain stimulation? a. posterior hippocampus b . cerebral cortex c . medial forebrain bundle d . amygdala
medial forebrain bundle
97. Which brain structure controls unconscious but essential functions such as breathing and circulation? a. corpus callosum b . pons c . medulla d . cerebellum
medulla
98. Ian has been in a coma since he was in a serious car accident. He is still on life support because he is unable to breathe on his own. Which area of Ian's brain is likely damaged? a. medulla b . hypothalamus c . midbrain d . cerebellum
medulla
99. A victim who is shot in the head died instantly because the bullet entered a portion of the hindbrain that regulates breathing. Which portion would that be? a. cerebellum b . pons c . medulla d . thalamus
medulla
77. What are the protective membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord? a. meninges b . cerebrospinal sheaths c . ventricles d . glia
meninges
106. In which of the following areas of the brain is the dopamine system involved in Parkinson's disease located? a. forebrain b . midbrain c . brainstem d . hindbrain
midbrain
212. Which of the following is most likely to contribute to the emergence of new species? a. minimal gene flow between populations b . genetic drift within a single generation c . natural selection among different species d . mutations within a given population
minimal gene flow between populations
190. Human characteristics—like eye colour, personality, height, and intelligence—are influenced by genes. How many genes are typically involved in most human characteristics? a. a single gene b . a single pair of genes c . more than one pair of genes d . genes on all 23 chromosomes
more than one pair of genes
136. Zoe has a small brain tumour that is pressing on areas in her right frontal lobe. Which of the following would you expect to be the most difficult for Zoe as a result of this tumour? a. moving some portions of the left side of her body b . tasting foods in the right side of her mouth c . moving some portions of the right side of her body d . hearing sounds located to her left
moving some portions of the left side of her body
162. Which of the following is least associated with left hemisphere functioning? a. reading b . speaking c . writing words d . musical recognition
musical recognition
209. Which of the following is best described as an "error" in DNA replication? a. natural selection b . mutation c . gene flow d . genetic drift
mutation
9. Which of the following is associated with the fastest neural impulses? a. unmyelinated dendrites b . myelinated axons c . shorter axons d . multiple dendrites
myelinated axons
208. What do we call the process by which genes that lead to a survival or reproductive advantage become more frequent in the next generation? a. natural selection b . polygenic transmission c . gene flow d . genetic mapping
natural selection
228. Which of the following does NOT belong with the others? a. stereotaxic instrument b . computerized tomography scan c . electroencephalograph d . neuromodulator
neuromodulator
127. Vivian has been experiencing unexplained flashes of light and colour, even when her eyes are closed. She recently saw a neurologist who located a small brain tumour. Where is Vivian's tumour likely to be located? a. right frontal lobe b . temporal lobe c . occipital lobe d . left parietal lobe
occipital lobe
128. When Taryk slipped on the stairs and hit his head, he saw "stars" for several minutes. The "stars" were most likely a result of activity in which area of the brain? a. primary somatosensory cortex b . occipital lobes c . temporal lobes d . prefrontal cortex
occipital lobes
195. As far as we know, which humans have the same genotype? a. only dizygotic twins b . only monozygotic twins c . none (even identical twins have some differences) d . only fraternal twins
only monozygotic twins
154. If you sent the word "banana" to a split-brain patient's left hemisphere and the word "cucumber" to his right hemisphere, which of the following would he be able to name verbal-ly? a. both items b . neither item c . only the banana d . only the cucumber
only the banana
175. Which of the following hormones is associated with bonding and trust? a. testosterone b . oxytocin c . estrogen d . cortisol
oxytocin
47. Dr. Jacoby has just discovered a new drug named Z2W that is an antagonist to acetylcholine. What are some likely side effects of this new drug? a. hallucinations and disrupted sleep patterns b . general stimulation within the body and an increase in heart rate c . anxiety reduction and general relaxation d . paralysis and memory loss
paralysis and memory loss
71. Which division of your nervous system handles conservation of body resources, including blood pressure reduction and the promotion of digestion? a. unsympathetic b . somatic c . parasympathetic d . sympathetic
parasympathetic
72. Which division of the nervous system is most likely to be in control of bodily processes during periods of rest and recovery for the body? a. parasympathetic b . somatic c . peripheral d . sympathetic
parasympathetic
73. Robyn has just eaten a full meal and is now relaxing. Which system is in primary control at this time? a. sympathetic nervous system b . parasympathetic nervous system c . endocrine system d . peripheral nervous system
parasympathetic nervous system
74. Brenda was startled when a large shadow unexpectedly passed across her living room window. When she realized that it was just a cloud passing in front of the full moon, her rac-ing heart began to slow and her blood pressure started to return to normal. What triggered the reactions as Brenda began to relax? a. somatic nervous system b . peripheral nervous system c . sympathetic nervous system d . parasympathetic nervous system
parasympathetic nervous system
75. Johann took some medication for his flu symptoms. Later, Johann began to feel a little faint because the medication caused his heart to beat more slowly and his blood pressure to fall. What system was likely activated by the medication? a. parasympathetic nervous system b . sympathetic nervous system c . somatic nervous system d . limbic system
parasympathetic nervous system
129. Which lobe of the brain is primarily responsible for processing bodily sensations? a. frontal b . thalamic c . parietal d . occipital
parietal
130. Which lobe of the brain, when electrically stimulated, causes people to report physical sensations as if they had been touched, for example, on the arm? a. parietal b . temporal c . occipital d . frontal
parietal
131. Padraigh woke up one day, unable to reach properly for objects, even though he could both see them and feel them. His doctor determined that Padraigh had a stroke and that the damage was confined to one portion of his brain. Which part is most likely damaged? a. temporal lobe b . frontal lobe c . parietal lobe d . occipital lobe
parietal lobe
60. In which part of the nervous system are the nerves in your hands and feet found? a. peripheral b . vascular c . vagus d . skeletal
peripheral
61. Which major division of the nervous system is comprised of the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system ? a. skeletal b . central c . afferent d . peripheral
peripheral
173. What is the so-called "master gland" of the endocrine system? a. thyroid gland b . pituitary gland c . adrenal gland d . pancreas
pituitary gland
140. When the brain changes in response to experience, which of the following terms is used to describe that ability to change? a. flexibility b . plasticity c . flux d . adaptation
plasticity
100. Which of the following is a hindbrain structure involved with sleep and arousal? a. pons b . cerebrum c . thalamus d . hypothalamus
pons
96. Which brain area would you stimulate if you wanted to alter alertness or wakefulness? a. pons b . cerebellum c . medulla d . thalamus
pons
90. Which technique introduces radioactively tagged chemicals into the brain and then monitors where the chemicals appear in the brain? a. magnetic resonance imaging b . positron emission tomography c . electrographic tomography d . computerized tomography
positron emission tomography
91. Which of the following techniques is likely to be most useful for locating specific neuro-transmitter activity in the brain? a. computerized tomography b . positron emission tomography c . electrographic tomography d . magnetic resonance imaging
positron emission tomography
138. Stefan has suffered brain damage and, as a result, he shows deficits in attention, planning, and getting organized. Which area was likely damaged? a. medial forebrain bundle b . corpus callosum c . prefrontal cortex d . hindbrain
prefrontal cortex
139. Some theorists believe that the brain contains a sort of "executive control system," which is responsible for monitoring, directing, and organizing thought processes. In which area of the brain would you find this system? a. prefrontal cortex b . medial forebrain bundle c . corpus callosum d . hindbrain
prefrontal cortex
102. What is the most likely consequence of damage to the cerebellum? a. eating irregularities b . impairment of short-term memory c . difficulties in judging distance d . problems with coordination of movement
problems with coordination of movement
222. In the Personal Application: Two Brains in One, what do some researchers believe should be a focus of school reform? a. encouraging students to become ambidextrous so as to exercise both sides of the brain equally b . providing students with more left-brain activities c . providing students with more right-brain activities d . providing a nutrition program that provides nutrients critical for brain development
providing students with more right-brain activities
159. Chase is using a single earphone to listen in on a conversation. Based on the research that investigated hemispheric specialization in intact brains, what could we suggest in order for Chase to recognize the words he hears most quickly? a. put the earphone in his right ear b . hum lightly to cancel out the background noise c . close his eyes while he listens to the conversation d . keep switching the earphone from ear to ear
put the earphone in his right ear
52. Julia is currently in the midst of a major depression. What neurotransmitter action is most likely to be associated with her symptoms? a. reduced levels of the neurotransmitter GABA b . increased activity at serotonin synapses c . excess levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine d . reduced activity at norepinephrine synapses
reduced activity at norepinephrine synapses
165. Which of the following is associated with brains that have low levels of lateral specializa-tion? a. reduced likelihood of mental disorder b . low IQ scores c . poor hand-eye coordination d . creativity
reduced likelihood of mental disorder
111. What is the function of the hypothalamus? a. inhibit emotional reactions like anger and fear b . regulate sensory integration c . integrate sensory information with motor impulses d . regulate hunger, thirst, and body temperature
regulate hunger, thirst, and body temperature
17. What do we call the tiny electrical charge that exists when a neuron is neither receiving nor sending information? a. resting potential b . action potential c . synaptic gap d . neurotransmitter
resting potential
107. Dr. Bashir has implanted electrodes in the brain of a rabbit. When currents of different frequencies are passed through the electrodes, the rabbit will fall into a deep sleep or suddenly awaken. Based on this information, where are the electrodes most likely implanted? a. cerebellum b . occipital lobe c . medulla d . reticular formation
reticular formation
36. What do we call the process of reabsorption of neurotransmitters into the presynaptic neuron? a. reuptake b . uploading c . regrading d . cyclomyosis
reuptake
151. Which part of the body would be most directly affected if the left hemisphere of the brain were damaged? a. left half b . right half c . upper portion d . lower portion
right half
164. Which of the following parts of the brain is most likely to play a major role in the work of artists, architects, and engineers, who must rely heavily on visual-spatial skills? a. corpus callosum b . left hemisphere c . right hemisphere d . cerebellum
right hemisphere
53. Which of the following would the use of a drug that functions as a dopamine agonist probably lead to? a. chronic insomnia b . schizophrenic-like symptoms c . Parkinson-like symptoms d . excessive anxiety
schizophrenic-like symptoms
64. Which division of the nervous system is necessary if you need to stand up or scratch your nose? a. autonomic b . parasympathetic c . sympathetic d . somatic
somatic
62. What system allows you to receive sensory input from the environment, and to act on the environment? a. autonomic nervous system b . somatic nervous system c . limbic system d . endocrine system
somatic nervous system
163. Nadine had a stroke that was confined to the right side of her brain. What sort of task will be most difficult for Nadine, based on hemispheric lateralization studies? a. mathematics and logical reasoning skills b . fine motor coordination, such as for handwriting c . spatial skills, such as fitting together puzzle pieces d . language and communication skills
spatial skills, such as fitting together puzzle pieces
143. What will be difficult for you if you experience damage to Broca's area? a. controlling your arms and legs b . being creative c . hearing d . speaking
speaking
27. Sara is holding Scott's hand during a scary movie. Suddenly she squeezes his hand very hard. When she does this, what will the nerves in Scott's hand do? a. release more chloride ions b . send stronger signals to his central nervous system c . enter an absolute refractory period d . start to fire at a faster rate
start to fire at a faster rate
142. Which type of cell can turn into any type of cell if the conditions are just right? a. neutral cells b . neural cells c . egg cells d . stem cells
stem cells
68. During what type of situations is the sympathetic nervous system in primary control? a. stress b . sexual c . calm d . fatigue
stress
67. Which part of the nervous system mobilizes the body when one needs to exert tremendous energy, such as when fleeing from an attacker? a. central b . sympathetic c . parasympathetic d . somatic
sympathetic
70. Karlette took some new medication for her hay fever. The medication made her heart race, and she became agitated and jittery. In which division of the nervous system is the medication likely increasing activity? a. peripheral b . parasympathetic c . somatic d . sympathetic
sympathetic
69. Zayed was walking down a dark street when he heard a car backfire. His heart started to race and he began to perspire in response to this sudden, startling noise. Which division of the nervous system is responsible for his physical reactions? a. sympathetic nervous system b . parasympathetic nervous system c . endocrine system d . somatic nervous system
sympathetic nervous system
37. Which of the following is the correct sequence of steps through which neurotransmitters progress during synaptic transmission? a. binding, synthesis, release, inactivation, reuptake b . synthesis, release, binding, inactivation, reuptake c . synthesis, binding, release, reuptake, inactivation d . release, synthesis, binding, reuptake, inactivation
synthesis, release, binding, inactivation, reuptake
134. Sharif suffered a stroke recently, and now he finds he constantly hears a buzzing sound in his ear. Where is the damage located? a. right frontal lobe b . occipital lobes c . left parietal lobe d . temporal lobe
temporal lobe
135. In which lobes of the brain would you find the primary auditory cortex? a. frontal lobes b . parietal lobes c . temporal lobes d . occipital lobes
temporal lobes
11. Which part of the neuron secretes neurotransmitters? a. neuromodulators b . dendrites c . myelin sheaths d . terminal buttons
terminal buttons
109. Which brain structure appears to play an active role in integrating sensory information? a. hypothalamus b . cerebrum c . limbic system d . thalamus
thalamus
110. Uma just caught sight of a red hummingbird. The neural impulses from her eye will eventually travel to her occipital lobe, but which brain area must they first pass through? a. thalamus b . reticular formation c . hypothalamus d . amygdala
thalamus
174. Which of the following does NOT belong with the other three? a. gonads b . thyroid c . pituitary d . thalamus
thalamus
95. What is the key advantage to using fMRI rather than just an MRI? a. the ability to assess brain function b . reduced discomfort for patients c . better spatial resolution dreduced costs due to more efficient technology
the ability to assess brain function
223. In summarizing recent research in neuroscience, science writer Ronald Kotulak concluded which of the following periods to be critically important to an individual's brain development? a. the first three years of life b . six to ten years of age c . adolescence d . the college years
the first three years of life
40. If a brain has several synapses that are not particularly active, and those synapses are eliminated, what does this reflect? a. the pruning of synapses in order to increase the efficiency of neural networks b . overactive immune reactions in the nervous system c . a loss of function that is typically associated with aging d . a process similar to natural selection, where strong synapses 'kill' weaker synap-ses
the pruning of synapses in order to increase the efficiency of neural networks
76. What does the central nervous system consist of? a. the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems b . the somatic and autonomic nervous systems c . the body's sensory and motor neurons d . the brain and the spinal cord
the somatic and autonomic nervous systems
30. What do we call the space between a terminal button and a dendrite? a. the transmission gap b . the midsynaptic potential range c . the synaptic cleft d . the neuromodulator
the synaptic cleft
187. What is a person's genotype? a. the paternal contribution to their genetic makeup b . the maternal contribution to their genetic makeup c. their genetic makeup d . their observable characteristics and traits
their genetic makeup
192. What is the primary purpose of family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies? a. to assess the effects of modern child-rearing methods b . to demonstrate the empirical nature of psychological research c . to establish the groundwork for genetic engineering programs d . to disentangle the effects of genetics and experience on behavioural traits
to disentangle the effects of genetics and experience on behavioural traits
88. Which technique results in effects that are similar to that of lesioning? a. stereotaxic plotting (STP) b . transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) c . electrical stimulation of the brain (ESB) d . magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
86. Electrical stimulation of its lateral hypothalamus causes an animal to overeat and become obese. Therefore, what could we expect to be produced by lesioning the lateral hypothalamus? a. no effect on eating or body weight b . overeating and obesity c . undereating and weight loss d . alternating periods of overeating and undereating
undereating and weight loss
26. What is the typical speed of an action potential? a. at least 600 kilometres/hour b . up to 300 kilometres/hour c . approximately the speed of light (300,000 kilometres/second) d . approximately the speed of sound (343 metres/second)
up to 300 kilometres/hour
207. Which of the following is the key factor in evolutionary change, according to Darwin's theory of evolution? a. interaction of heredity and the environment b . genetic transmission of learned behaviour crelative success of aggressive predators . d . variations in reproductive success
variations in reproductive success
160. What is the left hemisphere's specialty, in both split-brain people and neurologically intact people? a. spatial perception b . motor initiation c . visual recognition d . verbal processing
verbal processing
161. Which of the following is NOT primarily controlled by the left hemisphere of the brain? a. visual-spatial abilities b . the right side of the body c . producing language d . understanding language
visual-spatial abilities
181. What do we call an egg that has just been fertilized by a sperm? a. gene b . fetus c . chromosome d . zygote
zygote
