Neuroscience Chapter on fMRI and Emotion
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Questions and Answers

What does fMRI primarily measure in the brain?

  • Brain structure
  • Brain waves
  • Brain activity (correct)
  • Blood pressure
  • The fMRI uses the BOLD signal to measure oxygen levels in the blood.

    True

    What was the aim of the study conducted by Sharot et al.?

    To determine the role of neural mechanisms on flashbulb memories.

    The left amygdala showed selective activation during the recall of events from ______.

    <p>9/11</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following groups with their respective rates of amygdala activation during the 9/11 recall:

    <p>Downtown group = 83% Midtown group = 40%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How were participants' memories evaluated during the fMRI scan?

    <p>By presenting word cues on a screen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Midtown group showed higher amygdala activation than the Downtown group during the 9/11 trials.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic of the participants correlated with the amygdala activation observed?

    <p>Proximity to the World Trade Center during the attacks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which pheromone was found to bias heterosexual males' perception toward femininity?

    <p>EST</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The short allele of the 5-HTT gene has no association with major depressive disorder.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do AND and EST stand for in the context of this study?

    <p>Androstadienone and Estratetraenol</p> Signup and view all the answers

    [Blank] is the gene responsible for transporting serotonin in the body.

    <p>5-HTT</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following groups with their response to AND:

    <p>Heterosexual females = Higher identification of masculinity Heterosexual males = No significant effect Homosexual males = Higher identification of masculinity Homosexual females = No significant effect</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which group did NOT show a significant effect when exposed to AND?

    <p>Heterosexual males</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Diathesis-stress theories suggest that genetic makeup does not influence reactions to stress.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of low levels of the 5-HTT gene?

    <p>Increased likelihood of major depressive disorder</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The study by Antonova et al. found that scopolamine increased activity in the hippocampus.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The neurotransmitter ______ plays a significant role in the encoding of spatial memories.

    <p>acetylcholine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms related to hormones with their respective descriptions:

    <p>Endocrine gland = A gland that releases hormones directly into the bloodstream. Hormone = A chemical messenger produced by an endocrine gland that influences behavior. Target cell = A cell with a receptor site specific for a particular hormone.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary aim of the study by Antonova et al. concerning spatial memory formation?

    <p>To investigate the effect of scopolamine on hippocampal activity during the creation of spatial memory in humans.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately describes the effect of scopolamine on acetylcholine?

    <p>Scopolamine acts as an antagonist, inhibiting the effects of acetylcholine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Hormones have faster effects on behavior compared to neurotransmitters.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The hormone ______ is known to play a role in the formation of flashbulb memories.

    <p>adrenaline</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe the role of receptor sites in the functioning of hormones.

    <p>Target cells have specific receptor sites for hormones. When a hormone binds to its receptor site, it triggers changes in the target cell's function, either increasing or decreasing its activity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the mean age of the young adult male skateboarders in the study?

    <p>21</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Participants showed increased risk-taking when in the presence of a male researcher.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What were the two types of tricks participants attempted during the study?

    <p>easy trick and difficult trick</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Saliva samples were collected to measure levels of ______ after the experiment.

    <p>testosterone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the study components with their descriptions:

    <p>Participants = 96 young adult Australian male skateboarders Tricks attempted = One easy and one difficult trick Condition groups = Male-researcher and female-researcher conditions Measurement tools = Saliva samples and heart rate monitoring</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary hypothesis investigated in the study?

    <p>Elevated testosterone levels are associated with increased risk-taking in the presence of an attractive female.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The study found that participants took greater risks on the easy tricks in the presence of the female experimenter.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What were the three possible outcomes coded for each skateboarder's attempt?

    <p>Success, crash landing, or aborted attempt</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The researchers used ______ to measure the attractiveness of potential female experimenters.

    <p>photos</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following measurements with the corresponding aspect they were used to measure:

    <p>Saliva Samples = Testosterone Levels Nordic Sport Watch = Heart Rate Coded Attempts = Risk-taking Behavior</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of study design was used in the Caspi study investigating the relationship between the 5-HTT gene and depression?

    <p>Longitudinal Study</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Caspi study found that individuals with ______ versions of the 5-HTT gene were more likely to develop depression in response to stressful life events.

    <p>short</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Caspi study concluded that inheriting the short allele of the 5-HTT gene alone is sufficient to cause depression.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms related to the Caspi study with their descriptions:

    <p>5-HTT gene = Gene involved in serotonin transport Longitudinal Study = Tracking participants over time Stressful life events = Events that can contribute to depression Short allele = Mutation of the 5-HTT gene associated with increased vulnerability to stress Genotype = Genetic makeup of an individual</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary effect of scopolamine on participants in the study?

    <p>Decreased performance on the memory task</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Acetylcholine is known to inhibit spatial memory creation.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of acetylcholine in spatial memory according to the study?

    <p>It plays a significant role in the encoding of spatial memories.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Scopolamine acts as an ______ to acetylcholine because it reduces its effects.

    <p>antagonist</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their definitions:

    <p>Scopolamine = Inhibits acetylcholine function Hippocampus = Region crucial for spatial memory Adrenaline = Stress hormone affecting heart rate Acetylcholine = Neurotransmitter associated with memory</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How long before the experimental task were participants injected with either scopolamine or a placebo?

    <p>70-90 minutes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Hormones have a faster effect on behavior than neurotransmitters.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the population of participants in Antonova et al.'s study?

    <p>20 healthy male adults</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the aim of the study conducted by Cahill and McGaugh?

    <p>To investigate the role of adrenaline and the amygdala on emotional memory</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The amygdala is primarily responsible for processing emotional information.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What substance was used in the follow-up study to prevent the activation of the amygdala?

    <p>propranolol</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Heterosexual men and women were tested for their reaction to the putative human pheromones, _____ and _____ in Zhou's study.

    <p>androstadienone, estratetraenol</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following stories used in Cahill and McGaugh's experiment with their conditions:

    <p>Boring story about a hospital visit = Condition 1 Traumatic story involving a car accident = Condition 2</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was observed in participants who heard the emotionally arousing story?

    <p>They showed better recall of specific details.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does adrenaline play in memory formation according to the findings of the study?

    <p>It enhances memory consolidation and recall for emotionally arousing events.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Participants who received beta blockers recalled more information than those who heard the dull story.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which group identified gender-neutral walkers as more masculine when exposed to AND?

    <p>Heterosexual females</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The presence of AND significantly affected heterosexual men in identifying gender-neutral walkers.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the 5-HTT gene?

    <p>Transport serotonin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The variant of the 5-HTT gene associated with major depressive disorder is the ______.

    <p>short allele</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the pheromones with their effects on gender perception:

    <p>AND = Increases perception of masculinity EST = Increases perception of femininity Control = No significant effect</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor does diathesis-stress theory relate to an individual's response to stress?

    <p>Genetic makeup</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The participants performed the point-light walker task while being exposed to ______ mixed with cloves.

    <p>AND, EST, or a control solution</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Low levels of the 5-HTT gene are thought to reduce the risk of major depressive disorder.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary purpose of the Draganski study on juggling?

    <p>To investigate how learning a new skill affects brain structure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Draganski study found that participants who learned to juggle showed a decrease in grey matter in the areas associated with visual memory after they stopped practicing.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What brain imaging technique was used to analyze the changes in neural density in the Draganski study?

    <p>Voxel-based morphometry (VBM)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Draganski study demonstrated that learning a new skill can lead to an increase in ____ matter in the brain areas involved in the learned skill.

    <p>grey</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms related to the Draganski study with their descriptions:

    <p>Neural pruning = The process of strengthening and eliminating synapses based on usage Neural networks = Connections between neurons that are involved with each other Dendritic branching = Growth of dendrites, increasing the number of synapses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following brain areas was found to exhibit increased grey matter in the juggling group in the Draganski study?

    <p>Mid-temporal area</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Draganski study found that the non-juggling group showed significant changes in grey matter in the mid-temporal area throughout the study.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary conclusion of the Draganski study?

    <p>Learning a new skill can affect brain structure, demonstrating the relationship between brain and behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Biological Approach SAQs

    • fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Shows brain activity by measuring blood flow changes in active areas. Participants usually perform a task during the scan. A computer converts blood flow data into a 3D moving image. Uses the BOLD (blood oxygen level dependent) signal. When a brain region is active, it receives more oxygenated blood. The fMRI measures oxygen levels in the blood. More active areas have a stronger BOLD signal.

    Study: Sharot et al.

    • Aim: To investigate the neural mechanisms behind flashbulb memories, focusing on the role of the amygdala.
    • Method: Quasi-experiment using fMRI. Participants in NYC during 9/11 experienced either personally consequential (Downtown) or less consequential exposure (Midtown). They were presented with words associated with either summer or 9/11 while in the scanner while recalling these events.
    • Findings: Selective activation in the left amygdala occurred during 9/11 recall, but not during summer recall.
      • Downtown participants showed greater amygdala activation compared to Midtown participants during 9/11 recall.
      • Amygdala activation level correlated with the proximity to the World Trade Center during the attacks.
      • The greater the amygdala activation, the more detailed and confidently recalled the memory was.
    • Conclusion: Selective amygdala activation is a potential neural mechanism for flashbulb memories—memories of shocking, surprising events—especially those with high personal consequence. Proximity to the event highly correlates with activation strength.

    Localization of Function

    • Strict Localization: Specific psychological functions are associated with specific brain regions.
    • Weak Localization: Specific brain areas are associated with functions, but other areas may also be involved, or take over.
    • Widely Distributed: Some higher-order functions are distributed across different brain regions.

    Study: Draganski

    • Aim: To investigate whether learning a new skill (juggling) causes changes in brain structure.
    • Method: Quasi-experiment using MRI. Juggling and non-juggling groups. Pre- and post-juggling MRI scans.
    • Findings: The juggling group had an increase in grey matter volume in the mid-temporal area (visual memory) during practice. The decrease in grey matter after three months suggests that these changes are not permanent and require continued practice.
    • Conclusion: This research supports the concept of brain plasticity—brain structure changes in response to environmental demands.

    Neuroplasticity

    • Definition: The brain's ability to change in response to learning and experience.
    • Mechanism: Creation and strengthening of synaptic connections (Long-Term Potentiation, LTP) between neurons as a result of repeated activity or learning.
    • Neural Pruning: Unused or weaker synapses are eliminated to make the brain more efficient.

    Neurotransmitters

    • Definition: Chemical messengers in the nervous system that transmit signals across synapses.
    • Agonists: Molecules that bind to a receptor site and activate it, thereby stimulating the biological reaction of the receptor.
    • Antagonists: Molecules that bind to a receptor site but block it from being activated.

    Study: Antonova et al.

    • Aim: To investigate the effect of scopolamine on hippocampal activity during spatial memory formation.
    • Method: Participants received either scopolamine (antagonist for acetylcholine) or a placebo. Participants played a virtual reality game ("Arena Task") and had their brain activity measured using fMRI.
    • Findings: Participants who received scopolamine performed worse on the spatial memory tasks. Scopolamine also reduced activity in the hippocampus, a brain region associated with spatial memory, and known to be modulated by acetylcholine.
    • Conclusion: Acetylcholine plays a significant role in spatial memory encoding.

    Hormones

    • Definition: Chemicals produced by endocrine glands that regulate physiological and behavioural processes.
    • Adrenaline: Stress hormone produced during emergencies or situations with high emotion. Increases heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow to muscles.

    Study: Cahill and McGaugh

    • Aim: To investigate the role of adrenaline and the amygdala in emotional memory formation.
    • Method: Participants were given either a boring story (control) or a emotionally arousing story. Some participants in the arousal condition were also injected with beta-blockers.
    • Findings: Participants with an emotionally aroused story recalled more details from the slides than those in the control group. The beta-blocker group demonstrated a similar memory recall to those in the control group.
    • Conclusion: Adrenaline and the amygdala play a critical role in memory consolidation, particularly for emotional memories; encoding is stronger when events are emotionally arousing.

    Study: Zhou

    • Aim: To investigate the potential role of pheromones in human mate-recognition.
    • Method: Participants were exposed to either androstadienone (AND) or estratetraenol (EST) while participating in a point-light walker task to judge gender of the stimulus, assessing whether pheromones influence perceiption of gender.
    • Findings: Males show a bias for males and females show a bias to the opposite gender when smelling a pheromone linked to the opposite sex. This effect wasn't found in all groups tested.
    • Conclusion: Possible role for pheromones in mate recognition.

    Study: Caspi

    • Aim: To investigate the role of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTT) in the development of depression in response to stressful life events.
    • Method: Longitudinal study; collected data on 847 New Zealanders including stressful life events, using questionnaires.
    • Findings: Individuals with a short allele for the 5-HTT gene demonstrated a higher risk of developing depression after multiple stressful life events.
    • Conclusion: The 5-HTT gene shows a correlation with an increased vulnerability to develop depression when multiple stressful life events occur.

    Study: Ronay and von Hippel

    • Aim: To examine the effect of an attractive female on young men's risk-taking behaviour, influenced by testosterone.
    • Method: Study of 96 participants (male skateboarders). Recorded performance of skateboarders taking risks and measuring heart-rates in front of different experimenters. Testosterone levels were recorded as well.
    • Findings: An attractive female experimenter resulted in higher risks and increased testosterone in the participants during the tests. Ventral medial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) activity was also mentioned, leading to higher risk-taking behaviour.
    • Conclusion: Increased risk-taking may be influenced by testosterone, mediated through the VMPFC in response to an attractive female. This may have an evolutionary basis; higher risk-taking behaviour to attract a mate.

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    Biological SAQs PDF

    Description

    This quiz covers key concepts related to fMRI technology and its application in studying amygdala activation during emotional recall, particularly in the context of significant events like 9/11. Participants will explore the relationship between brain activation, genetic factors, and emotional memory retrieval.

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