IB Psychology Quiz: Brain and Behavior

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Questions and Answers

Define psychology and explain its primary focus.

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Its primary focus is understanding how individuals think, feel, and behave in various contexts.

Identify the function of the amygdala in the brain.

The amygdala is associated with processing emotions, particularly fear and pleasure responses. It plays a crucial role in emotional learning and memory.

Explain the role of dopamine as a neurotransmitter.

Dopamine acts as a reward center neurotransmitter, influencing pleasure and motivation, and is also important for controlling movement. Abnormal levels of dopamine are linked to disorders such as Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia.

What is the primary method psychologists use for understanding causality?

Experiments are the primary method used by psychologists to understand causality, as they manipulate variables to observe effects. They provide more controlled settings than case studies or surveys. Signup and view all the answers

Describe one advantage of using an MRI over a CAT scan.

An advantage of using an MRI is its ability to provide high-resolution images of soft tissues, including detailed brain structures, without exposure to radiation. In contrast, CAT scans use X-rays and may not be as precise. Signup and view all the answers

What does a positive correlation look like when graphed?

A positive correlation is represented by a upward-sloping line on a graph, indicating that as one variable increases, the other also increases. This suggests a direct relationship between the two variables. Signup and view all the answers

Identify a behavior that typically has a negative correlation with sleep.

Not studying often has a negative correlation with sleep, as students who sleep more tend to study less. Conversely, sleep deprivation can negatively impact academic performance. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how you would assess the reliability of a psychological study.

To assess reliability, I would look for consistency in the results over time and across different populations, using methods such as test-retest reliability or inter-rater reliability. High reliability suggests findings are dependable. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is Biological Psychology?

The branch of psychology that studies how the brain, nervous system, hormones, and genetics influence behavior and mental processes.

Major Brain Parts and Functions

The frontal lobe controls personality, thinking, and planning. The hippocampus is responsible for memory. The amygdala is associated with emotions.

Key Neurotransmitters and Their Functions

Serotonin affects emotions and is linked to depression. Dopamine plays a role in the reward center and movement. Oxytocin is linked to trust and social bonding.

Methods Psychologists Use to Study Behavior

Experiments are controlled studies used to determine cause-and-effect relationships. Case studies involve in-depth investigations of individuals. Surveys gather data from large populations. Correlations explore relationships between variables. Observations involve observing and recording behavior.