Science vs. Pseudoscience Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is a defining characteristic of pseudoscience?

  • It strictly adheres to the scientific method.
  • It is always based on peer-reviewed research.
  • It relies on data from controlled experiments.
  • It claims to be scientific while lacking empirical support. (correct)

How does the Freud Problem contribute to misconceptions in psychology?

  • It limits the influence of popular theories in psychology.
  • It encourages the use of rigorous scientific methodologies.
  • It promotes diversity in psychological theories.
  • Followers may distort scientific evidence to support their beliefs. (correct)

What does scientific realism assert about reality?

  • Human perception is identical to reality.
  • Reality exists independently of human experiences. (correct)
  • Scientific models are mere illusions and have no basis in reality.
  • All things that can be measured are real.

Which of the following is an example of a neuromyth?

<p>The brain is fully developed by early childhood. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does truthlikeness refer to in the context of scientific theories?

<p>The degree to which a theory corresponds to reality. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of philosophy seeks to define what constitutes science?

<p>Philosophy of science (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of pop-psychology?

<p>It often lacks a scientific basis and focuses on entertainment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested by the term 'hidden reality' in scientific realism?

<p>There exists an objective structure beyond human perception. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a CT scan primarily rely on to create images of the brain?

<p>Radiation for virtual slices (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which brain imaging technique provides the best temporal resolution?

<p>EEG (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does fMRI determine the location and structure of neural activity?

<p>By assessing changes in blood flow (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What method does TMS utilize to influence brain activity?

<p>Magnetic fields affecting neurons (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of tDCS?

<p>To treat depression and anxiety (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does high spatial resolution in brain scans indicate?

<p>Images contain a high number of pixels (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which brain imaging technique is known for having a slow and low-quality output?

<p>PET (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process is used by MEG to study brain activity?

<p>Measuring neuromagnetic signals (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of scientific theories?

<p>They must be testable and falsifiable. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of falsifiability contribute to in science?

<p>It helps in demarcating science from non-science. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does self-criticism play in scientific progress?

<p>It aids in the acceptance of inadequacies in theories. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a hallmark of current viable scientific theories?

<p>Many of their hypotheses have been confirmed. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept challenges the idea of absolute authorities in science?

<p>Historical scientific mistakes demonstrate fallibility. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was true about Freud's theories?

<p>They aim to explain a wide variety of phenomena with vague definitions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of peer review in scientific publishing?

<p>To scrutinize and verify the validity of new findings. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the replication crisis affect scientific findings?

<p>It raises questions about the reliability of previous results. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Ramon y Cajal's significant contribution to neuroscience?

<p>He demonstrated the existence of gaps between individual neurons. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the dualistic view suggest about the relationship between the mind and body?

<p>The mind and soul are entirely separate from the body. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the term 'testability' in scientific statements?

<p>They should be verifiable through objective experimentation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of scientific theories does predictive power refer to?

<p>Their capacity to make specific forecasts based on existing data. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'self-correction' in science imply?

<p>New evidence can modify or replace existing theories. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What common misconception might anti-realists hold regarding scientific theories?

<p>Theories are tools for controlling nature without objective truths. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Aristotle's view regarding the center of intellectual and perceptual functions?

<p>The heart is the center of intellectual function. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher did not accept the materialistic humoral theory?

<p>Plato (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Galenos conclude about the role of the brain?

<p>The brain controls behavior and movements. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Andreas Vesalius is known for rejecting which theory?

<p>The ventricle theory. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain did René Descartes claim to be the seat of the soul?

<p>Pineal gland (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the Ventricle Theory propose regarding the intellect?

<p>Intellect is located in the ventricles filled with fluid. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main contribution of Luigi Galvani in the context of the brain?

<p>Experiments demonstrating nerve stimulation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Karl Lashley's experiments with rats aimed to support which theory?

<p>Holistic theory. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represent the three parts of Plato's soul?

<p>Reason, noble passions, base passions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Aristotle view the relationship between the brain and the body?

<p>The brain's role is primarily climatic. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of Functional Localization?

<p>Mental functions are localized in specific brain parts. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the term Automism refer to in the context of brain theory?

<p>Brain can be divided into defined parts. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did the heart play in the theories of the early philosophers?

<p>It was viewed as the center of cognitive functions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a key belief of phrenology regarding the mind?

<p>The mind can be studied empirically and is biological. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What area of the brain did Broca identify as crucial for language production?

<p>Frontal lobe (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Wernicke's aphasia?

<p>Fluent speech that lacks meaningful content. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'double dissociation' signify in neuropsychology?

<p>One patient can recognize faces but not objects, and another can do the opposite. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main focus of Wilder Penfield's research?

<p>Mapping brain functions through electrical stimulation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of cognitive science, what does the 'computer metaphor' imply about the mind?

<p>Mental processes can be likened to computer operations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the 'facilitation effect' in the Stroop Task?

<p>Increased response speed for color matches. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does functional decomposition refer to in neuropsychology?

<p>Breaking down functions into smaller components. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method is used for studying gross neuroanatomy?

<p>Brain dissection after death. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does connectomics aim to achieve in neuroscience?

<p>Creating detailed maps of brain networks and connections. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of cognition does the Stroop Task primarily measure?

<p>Mental processing speed and conflict resolution. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does anomic aphasia specifically affect?

<p>The naming of objects and words. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain is crucial for creating spatial maps?

<p>Hippocampus (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does fine neuroanatomy differ from gross neuroanatomy?

<p>It uses microscopy and requires small tissue samples. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Demarcation Problem

Distinguishing science from pseudoscience; how to differentiate real science from claims that mimic science but are not.

Pseudoscience

Claims, beliefs, or practices that falsely claim to be science but aren't compatible with the scientific method.

Falsifiability

A key criterion for distinguishing science from pseudoscience; a scientific idea must be testable and potentially proven wrong.

Neuromyths

Misconceptions about the brain and how it works, particularly its relation to learning and education.

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Scientific Realism

The idea that scientific models and theories provide accurate descriptions of an underlying reality.

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Scientific Models

Descriptions of the deep structure of reality; examples include cell theory and DNA structure.

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Truth

Correspondence between a description and the reality it describes.

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Truthlikeness (Verisimilitude)

The idea that scientific theories get progressively closer to the truth over time.

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Scientific Theory

An interconnected set of concepts explaining data and predicting future experimental outcomes.

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Testability

Statements in science must be verifiable without personal biases or subjective sources.

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Hypothesis

Specific, testable predictions derived from a broader scientific theory.

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Peer Review

Critical evaluation of scientific findings by other experts in the field before publication.

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Replication Crisis

Old study findings sometimes can't be repeated with modern methods, casting doubt on results.

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Self-Correction

Science constantly revises its understanding as new evidence emerges. Scientists critically evaluate existing theories.

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Falsifiable Theory

A scientifically sound theory has implications that could lead to it being proven incorrect.

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Unfalsifiable Theory

Theory that cannot be shown as false because it can explain anything. It explains nothing.

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Dualistic View (of Soul and Body)

The belief that mind/soul and body are separate entities.

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Trepanning

Drilling holes in skulls as a possible treatment for illnesses or altered states.

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Ka

Ancient Egyptian concept of the creative/divine power linked to a physical body.

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Ba

Ancient Egyptian term for the soul that can travel beyond the body.

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Cardiocentric view

The belief that the heart is the center of intellectual and perceptual functions.

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Hippocrates

Father of medicine, who concluded that the brain is crucial for mental functions.

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Materialistic account of mind-body

The view that mental functions are entirely a product of physical processes in the body.

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Plato's soul theory

The soul has three parts: reason (head), noble passions (heart/lungs), and base passions (liver/guts).

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Galen's Ventricle Theory

The brain's ventricles (cavities) are the seat of the soul and intellect. Mental functions are localized within them.

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Andreas Vesalius

Famous anatomist who challenged the ventricle theory, emphasizing that animals also have ventricles but lack a human soul.

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René Descartes

Philosopher who proposed the Pineal gland as the seat of the soul and proposed that the brain works like a hydraulic mechanism.

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Electric fish

Fish that generate electricity and used in ancient Rome for supposed cures.

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Localizationism

Different mental functions are associated with different parts of the brain.

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Holism

The brain functions as a unified network, rather than discrete parts.

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Karl Lashley

Neuroscientist who supported the holistic view of brain function, arguing that brain function was not contained in specific parts.

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Functional Localization

The idea that different brain regions are responsible for different types of mental functions.

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Emanuel Swedenborg

Swedish neuroscientist who noted that injuries in specific brain areas affected particular mental functions.

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Automism

The idea that the brain can be divided into parts, where each part has its own function.

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Phrenology

A discredited 19th-century theory that claimed to identify mental faculties by analyzing the shape of the skull.

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Broca's Area

A region in the frontal lobe of the brain, primarily responsible for language production.

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Wernicke's Area

A region in the temporal lobe of the brain, primarily involved in language comprehension.

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Anomic Aphasia

A language disorder characterized by difficulty retrieving words, particularly names for objects.

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Frontal Lobe Syndrome

A neurological syndrome resulting from damage to the frontal lobes, often affecting personality, planning, and social behavior.

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Direct Brain Stimulation

A technique used to study brain function by directly stimulating specific areas of the brain with electrical currents.

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Computer Metaphor of the Mind

The idea that the mind and brain function similar to a computer, processing information and producing output.

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Stroop Task

A neuropsychological test that measures cognitive flexibility by presenting conflicting information about color and word.

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Facilitation Effect

In the Stroop task, the faster response time for stimuli where color and word match.

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Interference Effect

In the Stroop task, the slower response time for stimuli where color and word don't match.

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Functional Decomposition

The process of breaking down complex cognitive functions into smaller, component processes.

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Patterns of Performance (Brain Damage)

Observed patterns of strengths and weaknesses in cognitive abilities after brain damage, providing clues to the location and functions of brain areas.

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Association

When brain damage in a specific area leads to shared impairments in multiple cognitive abilities.

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Dissociation

When damage to one brain area impairs one cognitive function while leaving another intact, suggesting these functions are distinct.

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Double Dissociation

When two separate patients exhibit opposite patterns of dissociation, proving the independence of two cognitive functions.

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CT scan

A structural brain imaging technique using radiation to produce virtual slices, revealing major brain structures.

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MRI scan

A structural brain imaging technique using magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of brain structures.

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PET scan

A functional brain imaging technique using radioactive tracers to measure brain activity by detecting gamma rays emitted from areas with higher metabolism.

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fMRI scan

A functional brain imaging technique using a magnetic field and radiofrequency pulses to detect changes in blood flow in the brain, reflecting neural activity.

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Study Notes

The Demarcation Problem: Science vs. Pseudoscience

  • Pseudoscience claims to be scientific and factual but contradicts scientific methods.
  • Neuromyths are misconceptions about brain research and its application in learning.
  • The "Freud Problem" highlights concerns about influential figures whose claims lack scientific support. Pop-psychology and parapsychology are examples of this.
  • Philosophy of science is a branch that investigates the nature of science.
  • Scientific realism argues that our perception isn't direct reality; a hidden, independent reality exists beyond our senses.

Scientific Realism and Models

  • Scientific realism asserts a hidden reality with a structure independent of human thought.
  • Scientific models illustrate this hidden reality (e.g., cell theory, DNA structure, neurons).
  • Scientific theories, if sufficiently tested, portray the world accurately, including its workings and structure.
  • Truthlikeness (verisimilitude) suggests theories can get closer to the truth over time.

Characteristics of Science

  • Testability: All scientific statements must be testable.
  • Falsifiability: A core characteristic of science—a theory must be potentially disprovable. Karl Popper developed this concept.
  • Falsifiability solves the demarcation problem, distinguishing science from pseudoscience.
  • Scientific publishing and public criticism: Findings require peer review and replication efforts. This process includes writing manuscripts, submission, initial and external review.
  • Self-critical attitude: Scientists should be open to critique and accepting of being proven wrong.
  • No absolute authorities: All claims are subject to continuous scrutiny.
  • Self-correction and progress: Science is an evolving and dynamic field.

Neuroscience and the Mind-Body Connection

  • Cognitive neuroscience studies the brain's role in thoughts and behaviors. Its goal is to understand the relationship between mind and body.
  • Dualism (soul/mind separate from body) has historical roots in ancient practices like trepanning and interpretations of dreams.
  • Ancient views often attributed dreams to the soul's journey.
  • Aristotle proposed a cardiocentric view, attributing intelligence to the heart (rejecting this claim), and believing the brain cooled blood. Hippocrates challenged this, highlighting the brain's vital role in bodily functions.
  • Plato countered with a tripartite soul with separate functions.
  • Galen argued the brain, not the heart, is central for senses and movement, opposing the ventricle theory.
  • Vesalius challenged the ventricle theory by detailed anatomical observations.
  • Descartes introduced the idea of the pineal gland as a link between the soul and the body, but still a dualist.
  • The 17th and 18th centuries saw the rise of the hydraulic mechanism and electrical theories of the nerve and brain. Galvanism (electric therapy) gained traction.

Localization and Functional Decomposition

  • Localizationism: Mental functions are localized to specific brain areas.
  • Anti-Localizationism (Holism): Functions are distributed across the whole brain.
  • Lashley's experiments, though ultimately flawed, influenced the holistic perspective.
  • Phrenology attempted to map faculties to brain regions—incorrect and unscientific.
  • Broca and Wernicke linked specific language areas (production/comprehension).
  • Phineas Gage’s case studied frontal lobe function.
  • Wilder Penfield's studies validated localization ideas through stimulation.

Cognitive Neuroscience Methods

  • Functional Localization: Mental functions are associated with brain activity.
  • Functional Decomposition: Breaking down complex functions into simpler parts.
  • Neuropathology: Analyzing patterns of cognitive impairment after brain damage to understand brain function. Association, Dissociation, and Double Dissociation are tools to this.
  • Laboratory experiments: manipulating cognitive components and measuring brain reactions to understand functions.
  • Brainscans: (structural/functional) give insights into brain anatomy and activity.
  • Electromagnetic Sensing: (EEG/MEG) measure electrical and magnetic brain activity.
  • TMS/tACS/tDCS: Non-invasive stimulation techniques.

Hierarchical Description and Explanation in Neuroscience

  • Hierarchies of organization in the world and in the brain.
  • Understanding complex systems involves examining constituent parts and hierarchical relationships.

Neuroanatomy and Connectomics

  • Gross Neuroanatomy (brain dissection) and Fine Neuroanatomy (microscopic studies) provide anatomical information.
  • Brodmann's areas provide a framework for cortical regions.
  • Connectomics maps brain connections at various levels.

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Description

Test your understanding of the differences between science and pseudoscience. Explore concepts such as neuromyths, the influence of Freud in psychology, and the philosophical underpinnings of scientific realism. This quiz delves into key models and theories within the philosophy of science.

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