Biological studies Y12 quiz

What was the primary aim of the study conducted by Hoelzel et al. on mindfulness practice?

• To determine if mindfulness practice can improve physical health.

• To investigate if an eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program could lead to measurable neurological changes.

• To explore the effects of mindfulness on social interactions.

• To assess the impact of mindfulness on dietary habits.

Which brain structures showed significant increases in grey matter density after the MBSR program?

• Insulae and cerebellum

• Left hippocampus, posterior cingulate cortex, temporoparietal junction, and cerebellum

• Right hippocampus and frontal cortex

• Amygdala and thalamus

What methodology was used in the study by Hoelzel et al.?

• Cross-sectional survey

• Mixed-methods approach with experimental design and correlational elements

• Case study analysis

• Randomised controlled trial

What was a noted weakness in the study by Hoelzel et al. regarding mindfulness practice?

• Lack of ethical precautions.

• High standardisation of mindfulness practice.

• Reliance on self-reported data, which may introduce bias.

• Use of qualitative data only.

In the study by Dement and Kleitman, what was the relationship between REM sleep and dream recall?

• Dream recall was higher in nREM sleep.

• Dream recall was significantly higher in REM sleep.

• Dream recall was equal in both REM and nREM sleep.

• Dream recall was not measured.

What was a key finding regarding eye movements in the study by Dement and Kleitman?

• Eye movements were random and unrelated to dream content.

• Eye movements correlated with dream content.

• Eye movements were only present in nREM sleep.

• Eye movements were absent during REM sleep.

In the study by Dement and Kleitman, what was the accuracy of participants estimating dream duration for 5-minute dreams?

• 50%

• 88%

• 100%

• 70%

What was the primary aim of Hassett et al.'s study on monkey toy preferences?

• To determine if monkeys prefer electronic toys.

• To explore the biological vs. social origins of toy preferences.

• To assess the impact of toys on monkey social behaviour.

• To investigate the effect of toy colour on monkey preferences.

What was a significant finding regarding toy preferences in male monkeys in Hassett et al.'s study?

• Males preferred plush toys.

• Males showed no preference for any type of toy.

• Males preferred wheeled toys.

• Males preferred toys that made noise.

What was a strength of the study by Hassett et al. on monkey toy preferences?

• High external validity due to naturalistic settings.

• Avoided confounding variables from human socialisation.

• Large sample size with diverse species.

• Use of self-reported data for reliability.