Pharmacology Placebo Effect Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of dendrites in a neuron?

To create structural connectivity in the brain

To gather information from other neurons (correct)

To carry messages away from the cell body

To integrate the information in the nucleus

Which of the following describes a phenotype?

The genes that an organism actually expresses (correct)

A mutation resulting from a nucleotide change

The complete set of genes in an organism

The genetic makeup solely responsible for behavior

How many axons does a typical neuron have?

No axons, only dendrites

One axon carrying messages (correct)

Usually two axons for efficiency

Many axons for diverse communication

What is a primary concern of studying human genetics in relation to behavior?

To explore genetic components of psychological disorders Signup and view all the answers

Which structure in a neuron is primarily responsible for integrating incoming information?

The soma Signup and view all the answers

What can a mutation in a nucleotide lead to?

The gene associating with a different protein Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of neuron structure allows for the extensive connectivity needed for processing information?

The plasticity of neuron shape and function Signup and view all the answers

Which part of a neuron is primarily involved in transmitting information to other cells?

The axon Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the hypothalamus?

Maintains homeostasis Signup and view all the answers

Which gland is known as the master gland of the endocrine system?

Pituitary gland Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in muscle action and memory?

Acetylcholine Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following lobes of the brain is primarily associated with reasoning and thought processes?

Frontal lobe Signup and view all the answers

What is a function of the adrenal gland?

Secretes hormones involved in the stress response Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is linked to enhancing mood and regulating sleep?

Serotonin Signup and view all the answers

What role does the thalamus serve in the brain?

Sensory processing and relay Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the cerebral cortex?

Hormonal control Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Otto Loewi's frog heart experiment?

It provided the first isolation of a chemical messenger. Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is known for activating skeletal muscles in the somatic nervous system?

Acetylcholine Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'chemical synapse' refer to?

The junction where neurotransmitters are released to affect another neuron. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the vagus nerve in Loewi's findings?

To slow the heart rate by releasing neurotransmitters. Signup and view all the answers

Why are many neurotransmitters also considered hormones outside the central nervous system?

They circulate in the bloodstream and have distant targets. Signup and view all the answers

What did the discovery of the electron microscope contribute to neuroscience?

It allowed scientists to see neurotransmitters packaged in vesicles. Signup and view all the answers

How many neurotransmitters have been confirmed to exist based on recent discoveries?

60 confirmed and 200 posited. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter messages?

Excitatory messages increase membrane potential, while inhibitory messages decrease it. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of excitatory synapses compared to inhibitory synapses?

Round vesicles Signup and view all the answers

What role do dendritic spines play in the brain?

They mediate learning and memory. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the cleft size in inhibitory synapses?

Narrow cleft Signup and view all the answers

How do impairments in dendritic spines affect cognitive function?

They are linked to certain mental disabilities. Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested about the evolution of chemical transmission?

It may relate to single-celled creatures' feeding behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of providing a control group with a placebo treatment in a study?

To protect against bias caused by expectancy Signup and view all the answers

In a scientific experiment, what does the independent variable represent?

The variable that the experimenter manipulates Signup and view all the answers

Why is random assignment used in experiments?

To give every participant an equal chance of being in either group Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a population and a sample?

A sample is a subset of the population Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely outcome if a study does not use a double-blind method?

Expectancy bias could influence the results Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a random sample?

A subset where every member of the population has an equal chance of selection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about dependent variables is true?

They are measured to assess the impact of the independent variable. Signup and view all the answers

What might be a consequence of not using a placebo in experimental studies?

The effects of treatment may be overstated due to psychological influence. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Experimental Design

Experimental group receives the medication, while the control group receives a placebo (sugar pill) in a double-blind study to reduce bias.
Independent variable is manipulated by the experimenter, ideally being the sole difference between groups; dependent variable is measured to assess effects.
Random sample is preferred to ensure representativeness of the population from which participants are drawn.

Participant Selection and Assignment

Participants are subjects in psychological research; populations can be too large, thus samples are utilized.
Random assignment ensures every participant has an equal chance of being placed in the experimental or control group, promoting fairness in experimental conditions.

Neurons and Information Processing

Neurons comprise the basic unit of brain function, consisting of a cell body (soma), dendrites for receiving information, and a single axon to transmit signals.
Neurons form functional networks, or neural groups, which are critical for complex behaviors and overall brain mapping efforts target the connectome of the human brain.

Basic Cell Anatomy

Major cell types in the brain include neurons and glial cells.
Dendrites gather information, while the soma integrates it, and the axon transmits this information to other cells.

Human Genetics and Behavior

Human genetics is pivotal in understanding variations in behavior and bodily responses, including disease resistance and psychological disorders.

Structure and Function of the Brain

The cerebral cortex handles high-level processes, while the thalamus relays sensory information.
The hypothalamus maintains homeostasis and controls the pituitary gland, which regulates other endocrine glands.

The Endocrine System

Comprises glands that produce hormones, influencing various body functions; includes the thyroid, adrenal glands, gonads, and pancreas.

Neurotransmitters and Their Roles

Acetylcholine is vital for muscle actions and memory, while dopamine influences mood and learning.
Neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine modulate behaviors, including anxiety and arousal, respectively.

Neural Communication

Otto Loewi's experiments discovered acetylcholine's role as a neurotransmitter in the heart.
Synapses, particularly chemical synapses, allow for signal transmission through the release of neurotransmitters.

Excitatory and Inhibitory Messages

Excitatory synapses are generally found on dendrites and facilitate neural transmission, while inhibitory synapses typically reside on cell bodies and suppress activity.

Dendritic Spines

These small structures are crucial for learning and memory, allowing independent changes and connectivity within neural networks.
Impairments in dendritic spines are linked to mental disabilities and conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

Evolutionary Considerations of Neurotransmission

The origins of complex neurotransmission might relate to early feeding behaviors in single-celled organisms, paralleling modern neurotransmitter release and communication patterns.

Classes of Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters can be classified by their chemical composition, affecting their roles and behaviors in the nervous system.

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Description

Test your understanding of the placebo effect and its role in clinical trials. This quiz covers concepts such as experimental and control groups, double-blind studies, and the impact of bias on research outcomes. Discover how these elements contribute to the validity of medication efficacy studies.