Magic and the Brain

Neural processes take place in the

• brain
• eye
• fingers
• imagination

Which of the following best states the central idea of the section under the heading “Controlling Awareness in the Wired Brain”?

• Scientists have discovered which area of the brain interprets causal relationships.
• The methods of magic may help scientists learn to manipulate human awareness.
• A skilled magician can cause viewers to misinterpret cause and effect.
• Watching videos of magic tricks activates a particular area of the brain.

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Which of the following is an example of “overt misdirection”?

• The magician tells the audience to look at his lovely assistant.
• The magician uses bright lights to create temporary blindness.
• The magician performs the trick when the audience least expects it.
• The magician uses special effects, such as an explosion or gunshot.

What is the main purpose of the sidebar below line 119?

• to show what a normal brain looks like on an MRI scan
• to show how the techniques of magic can help scientists understand the brain
• to show how a cognitive illusion works in the brain
• to show how scientists can use technology to diagnose brain disorders

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According to the authors, what is the most important reason for neuroscientists to study the tools of magic?

• to gain a better understanding of how magic tricks work
• to help magicians develop new and better illusions
• to help people better control their own attention and awareness
• to help develop new diagnostic and treatment methods for brain disorders

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In which statement does the author use personification to explain “neural adaptation”?

• “The responsiveness of a neural system to a constant stimulus . . . decreases with time."
• “The spectators' retinal neurons will rebound for a fraction of a second.”
• “When the constant stimulus is turned off, the adapted neurons fire a rebound response.”
• “It is as if neurons actively ignore a constant stimulus to save their strength. ”

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How do the authors first establish the connection between science and magic?

• with an anecdote about a magic trick and how it works
• with a definition of the new field of neuromagic
• with a graphic that compares and contrasts the two fields
• with a summary of the history of previous research

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sidebar

• a box alongside or within the text to indicate the focus of that section

• visual text features that can help you understand ideas or processes

• a person who studies the brain and the nervous system

• related to the nervous system

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objective summary

• summary without opinions or unnecessary details

• the people who are watching the event

• a dark, heavy print that is used to draw attention to unfamiliar vocabulary

• a nerve cell

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A prominent or distinctive part, quality, or characteristic is?

• abnormal

• to perceive

• a task

• a feature

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