Psychology: Neuroscience and the Brain

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the mind and the brain, according to the text?

The brain and mind operate independently.
The brain and mind are separate entities, with the mind influencing the brain.
The brain is a physical structure, while the mind is a non-physical entity.
The mind is what the brain does. (correct)

How did Paul Broca contribute to the understanding of the brain's function?

By discovering that learning is not localized to specific brain areas.
By using fMRI to map brain activity in real-time.
By studying the brains of rats who had suffered surgical damage.
By performing autopsies on individuals with language deficits, he identified a specific brain region responsible for speech production. (correct)

What was the surprising conclusion of Karl Lashley's experiments with rats?

Learning is not specifically localized in the cerebral cortex. (correct)
Memory for maze-running was localized to a specific area of the rat cortex.
Brain damage had no effect on the rats' maze-running abilities.
Rats with larger cerebral cortices learned mazes more quickly.

Why are studies of damaged brains limited in their ability to inform our understanding of brain function?

Damaged brains can only reveal information about specific deficits but not about normal function. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) provide information about brain activity?

By measuring blood flow in different brain regions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher aims to investigate the areas of the brain that are active when participants are engaged in problem-solving tasks. Which neuroimaging technique would be most suitable for this study?

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes how modern psychology is evolving as described in the text?

Integrating biological (neuroscience) and socio-cultural perspectives to understand the mind. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the analogy of examining car wrecks and using a hammer on an engine illustrate in the context of brain research?

It emphasizes the limitations of studying damaged brains compared to observing intact brains in action. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do fMRI scans allow cognitive neuroscientists to study brain function?

By tracking blood flow to identify areas of increased neural activity. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What might surprise Broca about modern fMRI research on American Sign Language (ASL)?

That neural activity differs in left hemisphere, depending on when deafness occurred. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between cognitive neuroscience and behavioural neuroscience?

Cognitive neuroscience primarily studies humans, while behavioural neuroscience focuses on non-human animals. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is Montreal considered a birthplace of cognitive neuroscience?

Because of the groundbreaking work of Hebb, Penfield, and Milner at McGill University. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was Donald Hebb's primary contribution to the field of cognitive neuroscience?

Formulating the theory that neurons that fire together, wire together. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did Wilder Penfield contribute to our understanding of brain function?

By using brain stimulation during surgery to map different mental functions. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Brenda Milner is best known for her work on what aspect of cognition?

Long-term memory. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which research methodology did Brenda Milner primarily use to study the relationship between brain regions and cognitive functions?

Administering cognitive tests to patients who had undergone removal of parts of the brain. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does Hebb's rule, "neurons that fire together, wire together," imply about learning and memory?

That the simultaneous activation of neurons strengthens the connections between them. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did Penfield's 'Montreal procedure' contribute to cognitive neuroscience?

By providing a method for directly observing the effects of brain lesions on cognitive function. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What challenge did researchers face in verifying Hebb's theory about neuronal connections in the mid-20th century?

The absence of biological techniques to observe cellular-level changes in the brain. (E) Signup and view all the answers

If a researcher is interested in studying the neural correlates of decision-making in rats, which approach would be most suitable?

Behavioural neuroscience. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the application of cognitive neuroscience principles?

A neurologist uses fMRI to identify brain regions affected by a stroke, to guide rehabilitation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the case of individuals who became deaf in adulthood versus those born deaf, inform our understanding of brain plasticity?

It demonstrates that the brain can reorganize itself in response to changing sensory experiences. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between Hebb's work and Penfield's research?

Hebb developed the theoretical framework, while Penfield's surgical methods provided empirical data. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the shift in psychology regarding the study of culture?

Initially disregarded, culture gained importance in social psychology with behaviorism, and its broader relevance is now recognized across psychology. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How might cultural differences impact cognitive processes, as demonstrated by Masuda & Nisbett's (2001) study?

Culture can influence attention to detail, with Westerners focusing on foreground objects and Easterners on background context. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Given the research on social class, which statement best reflects how upper-class individuals might behave in a social dilemma?

They are inclined to act in ways that maximize personal gain, even if it means bending rules or disregarding others' needs. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher aims to study how cultural values affect decision-making in financial investments. Which approach would align with cultural psychology?

Examining how specific cultural norms and values shape perceptions of risk and future orientation in investment decisions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario might the insights from cultural psychology be MOST relevant?

Designing a marketing campaign aimed at a global audience with diverse cultural backgrounds. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How might differing cultural values impact the effectiveness of teamwork in a multicultural project?

Cultural differences can create misunderstandings and conflict if communication styles and expectations are not understood and managed. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In a cross-cultural study on emotional expression, what challenge might researchers face when interpreting facial expressions?

Cultural display rules dictate which emotions are appropriate to express in different contexts, potentially masking true feelings. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the study of social class contribute to our understanding of cultural influences on behavior?

Social class provides a lens to examine how access to resources and power shapes values, attitudes, and behaviors within a society. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A therapist is working with a client from a different cultural background. Why is it important for the therapist to consider cultural context?

Understanding cultural norms can help the therapist avoid misinterpreting the client's behaviors and beliefs. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios illustrates how culture can affect perception?

Individuals from one culture are more likely to perceive depth in 2D images compared to those from another culture. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How might an interdependent cultural orientation influence an individual's behavior in a group setting?

Individuals are more likely to conform to group norms and prioritize collective goals. (D) Signup and view all the answers

When conducting cross-cultural research, what strategy can researchers use to ensure their measures are culturally appropriate?

Adapting measures to fit the cultural context and validating them with members of the local community. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What ethical considerations should researchers prioritize when studying cultural differences?

Obtaining informed consent and ensuring that the research benefits the communities being studied. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In what way can understanding cultural psychology improve public policy and social programs?

It helps in creating culturally sensitive interventions that address the specific needs and values of diverse populations. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How might cultural norms regarding help-seeking behavior affect access to mental health services?

Cultural stigma surrounding mental illness can prevent individuals from seeking professional help. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Cognitive Revolution

A major shift in psychology focusing on mental processes.

Neuroscience in Psychology

Exploring the brain's role in mental life.