Fear Conditioning and Amygdala Function

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What is the promise made to the child if they wait for ten minutes?

They will get a toy as a reward
They will get a second marshmallow and can eat both (correct)
They will get a different type of candy
They will get one marshmallow

Why are these experiments typically done on small children?

Because small children are more obedient
Because small children are more patient
Because teenagers might not be tempted by two marshmallows (correct)
Because small children are more easily deceived

What is the key function of the prefrontal cortex related to in this scenario?

Remembering past events
Controlling initial impulses and thinking about the future (correct)
Processing visual information
Making impulsive decisions

What is a possible explanation for why kids who can wait for two marshmallows are more likely to be successful in school?

They have better decision-making skills (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the researcher studying in this experiment?

The child's ability to delay gratification (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of waiting according to the scenario?

Getting a second marshmallow and eating both (B) Signup and view all the answers

What type of processing is involved when considering factors like 'who might this be' in response to a doorbell ringing?

System Two processing (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between System One and System Two processing?

Level of consciousness (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the Stanford Marshmallow Experiments, what is a characteristic of kids who can resist the temptation of eating the marshmallow?

Higher SAT scores and lower stress levels (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of System Two processing in the context of decision making?

To consider multiple factors and consequences (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the dual processing model, what is the primary difference between the kids who ate the marshmallow straight away and those who struggled to resist?

The type of processing they used to make their decision (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the broader implication of the findings from the Stanford Marshmallow Experiments?

That the ability to resist temptation is linked to later life outcomes (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of fear conditioning in humans?

To aid in survival by triggering a response to potential threats (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of SM's ability to hold a snake for over three minutes?

It highlights the amygdala's role in experiencing fear (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why did the researchers take SM to an exotic pet store?

To test her fear response in the presence of snakes and spiders (C) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of SM's behavior did the researchers observe while she was holding the snake?

She was curious and inquisitive, touching its skin and scales (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of SM's comments while handling the snake?

They demonstrate her genuine excitement and fascination (D) Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about SM's cognitive function based on the text?

She has normal cognitive function, comparable to healthy controls (D) Signup and view all the answers