Magic and the Brain

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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In which statement does the author use personfication 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.”

According to the authors, what is one criticism of subjecting magic to scientific study?

• The aims of science are different from those of magic.

• The studies done so far just confirm what is already known.

• Magicians use tricks to exploit cognitive weaknesses.

• The studies would have been more useful had they been done earlier.

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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1. 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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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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Neural processes take place in the

• brain.

• eye.

• fingers.

• imagination.

A neuroscientist studies

• small particles.

• qualities of light.

• the nervous system.

• mechanical processes.

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.

A cynic would most likely respond to the achievements of another with

• confusion.

• admiration.

• criticism.

• envy.

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