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?

The brain is fully developed by early childhood. Signup and view all the answers

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

The degree to which a theory corresponds to reality. Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of philosophy seeks to define what constitutes science?

Philosophy of science Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of pop-psychology?

It often lacks a scientific basis and focuses on entertainment. Signup and view all the answers

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

There exists an objective structure beyond human perception. Signup and view all the answers

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

Radiation for virtual slices Signup and view all the answers

Which brain imaging technique provides the best temporal resolution?

EEG Signup and view all the answers

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

By assessing changes in blood flow Signup and view all the answers

What method does TMS utilize to influence brain activity?

Magnetic fields affecting neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of tDCS?

To treat depression and anxiety Signup and view all the answers

What does high spatial resolution in brain scans indicate?

Images contain a high number of pixels Signup and view all the answers

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

PET Signup and view all the answers

Which process is used by MEG to study brain activity?

Measuring neuromagnetic signals Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of scientific theories?

They must be testable and falsifiable. Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of falsifiability contribute to in science?

It helps in demarcating science from non-science. Signup and view all the answers

What role does self-criticism play in scientific progress?

It aids in the acceptance of inadequacies in theories. Signup and view all the answers

What is a hallmark of current viable scientific theories?

Many of their hypotheses have been confirmed. Signup and view all the answers

What concept challenges the idea of absolute authorities in science?

Historical scientific mistakes demonstrate fallibility. Signup and view all the answers

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

They aim to explain a wide variety of phenomena with vague definitions. Signup and view all the answers

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

To scrutinize and verify the validity of new findings. Signup and view all the answers

How does the replication crisis affect scientific findings?

It raises questions about the reliability of previous results. Signup and view all the answers

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

He demonstrated the existence of gaps between individual neurons. Signup and view all the answers

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

The mind and soul are entirely separate from the body. Signup and view all the answers

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

They should be verifiable through objective experimentation. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of scientific theories does predictive power refer to?

Their capacity to make specific forecasts based on existing data. Signup and view all the answers

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

New evidence can modify or replace existing theories. Signup and view all the answers

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

Theories are tools for controlling nature without objective truths. Signup and view all the answers

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

The heart is the center of intellectual function. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher did not accept the materialistic humoral theory?

Plato Signup and view all the answers

What did Galenos conclude about the role of the brain?

The brain controls behavior and movements. Signup and view all the answers

Andreas Vesalius is known for rejecting which theory?

The ventricle theory. Signup and view all the answers

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

Pineal gland Signup and view all the answers

What did the Ventricle Theory propose regarding the intellect?

Intellect is located in the ventricles filled with fluid. Signup and view all the answers

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

Experiments demonstrating nerve stimulation. Signup and view all the answers

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

Holistic theory. Signup and view all the answers

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

Reason, noble passions, base passions. Signup and view all the answers

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

The brain's role is primarily climatic. Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of Functional Localization?

Mental functions are localized in specific brain parts. Signup and view all the answers

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

Brain can be divided into defined parts. Signup and view all the answers

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

It was viewed as the center of cognitive functions. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key belief of phrenology regarding the mind?

The mind can be studied empirically and is biological. Signup and view all the answers

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

Frontal lobe Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Wernicke's aphasia?

Fluent speech that lacks meaningful content. Signup and view all the answers

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

One patient can recognize faces but not objects, and another can do the opposite. Signup and view all the answers

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

Mapping brain functions through electrical stimulation. Signup and view all the answers

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

Mental processes can be likened to computer operations. Signup and view all the answers

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

Increased response speed for color matches. Signup and view all the answers

What does functional decomposition refer to in neuropsychology?

Breaking down functions into smaller components. Signup and view all the answers

Which method is used for studying gross neuroanatomy?

Brain dissection after death. Signup and view all the answers

What does connectomics aim to achieve in neuroscience?

Creating detailed maps of brain networks and connections. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of cognition does the Stroop Task primarily measure?

Mental processing speed and conflict resolution. Signup and view all the answers

What does anomic aphasia specifically affect?

The naming of objects and words. Signup and view all the answers

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

Hippocampus Signup and view all the answers

How does fine neuroanatomy differ from gross neuroanatomy?

It uses microscopy and requires small tissue samples. Signup and view all the answers

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.