Psychology and Neuroscience Quiz - Unit 2

Researchers are studying the role of genetics in intelligence by observing two groups of twins: identical twins raised together and identical twins raised apart. The researchers administer a standardized intelligence test and analyze the test scores for similarities and differences between the two groups. They notice that the identical twins raised together have highly similar scores, but they are also surprised to find that identical twins raised apart have relatively high correlations in their scores, despite different environments. The researchers conclude that both genetic factors and environmental factors play a role in intelligence. Which of the following concepts best explains the study design and findings in this scenario?

• Family studies

• Adoption studies

• Twin studies

• Longitudinal studies

Dr. Bowman is conducting research on human mating preferences and how they may have developed to increase reproductive success over time. She surveys a large, diverse group of adults and finds that, on average, men report preferring partners who display traits commonly associated with youth and health, while women report a preference for partners with resources or traits indicating stability and security. Dr. Bowman hypothesizes that these preferences may be influenced by behaviors and strategies that improved survival and reproduction among early humans. She argues that such preferences are rooted in ancient adaptations, even though today they are not consciously chosen. Which of the following psychological perspectives best aligns with Dr. Bowman’s explanation of human mating behaviors?

• Evolutionary psychology

• Behavioral psychology

• Cognitive psychology

• Social psychology

Emily and Mark are the parents of twins, Lily and Jack, who were adopted shortly after birth. Emily is a musician, and Mark is an artist, so their home environment is filled with music, art supplies, and frequent exposure to the arts. They have encouraged both children to play instruments, engage in creative projects, and attend arts-focused events. Over time, both Lily and Jack develop strong musical skills and an interest in painting. Although they were raised in the same environment, Lily tends to focus on classical music, while Jack leans towards modern abstract art. Emily wonders if their children's interests are the result of the creative environment they provided, rather than any biological influences. Which psychological perspective best explains the development of Lily and Jack’s interests based on Emily’s observations?

• Behaviorism

• Nurture

• Nature

• Evolutionary psychology

Amy is participating in a study on tactile perception, where she has to identify various textures by touch alone. Blindfolded, she places her hand on different surfaces and accurately describes them as rough, smooth, or soft. The researcher observes Amy’s ability to discern detailed information about texture and location when she touches each object, all processed without her visual input. Which brain area is primarily responsible for Amy’s ability to process and interpret the tactile information from these textures?

• Temporal Lobe

• Sensory Cortex

• Cerebellum

• Broca’s Area

Kent is recovering from a stroke and working with a physical therapist to regain his ability to control fine motor movements in his right hand. His therapist designs exercises that involve lifting small weights and performing precise finger movements, helping Kent strengthen the connections that allow him to control his hand’s movements. During each exercise, the therapist observes Kent’s progress and notes which brain areas are likely supporting his recovery, especially as he learns to activate specific muscles for each movement. Which brain area is primarily responsible for Kent’s ability to control the movements of his right hand during these exercises?

• Amygdala

• Occipital Lobe

• Hippocampus

• Motor Cortex

Zoey is at a theme park with friends, waiting in line for a roller coaster. As the ride approaches, she starts to feel her heart race and palms sweat, recalling how she felt on a similar ride years ago when she became extremely frightened. Despite her friends’ reassurances that it will be fun, Zoey’s sense of fear increases as she anticipates the experience. This response is triggered by a part of her brain that processes fear and emotional memories, influencing her reactions. Which part of the brain is most directly responsible for Zoey’s fear response in this scenario?

• Amygdala

• Cerebellum

• Parietal Lobe

• Hippocampus

During a class presentation, Pam is asked to read a detailed graph displayed on a screen across the room. She struggles to make out the fine details at first but then adjusts her focus and starts interpreting the visual information. As she processes the lines, shapes, and colors to make sense of the graph, a specific part of her brain is primarily involved in analyzing the visual data she’s seeing, helping her interpret the information accurately. Which part of Pam’s brain is primarily responsible for processing the visual information from the graph?

• Temporal Lobe

• Occipital Lobe

• Frontal Lobe

• Parietal Lobe

David is participating in a study that examines muscle response to brain signals. The researcher instructs him to flex his arm as quickly as possible in response to a signal. As David performs this action, a specific type of cell transmits signals from his spinal cord to his arm muscles, enabling him to contract his muscles and create movement. The researcher explains that these cells are crucial for sending instructions from the brain to various parts of the body to initiate physical actions. Which type of cell is responsible for transmitting signals that allow David to move his arm?

• Glial Cells

• Sensory Neurons

• Interneurons

• Motor Neurons

After a stressful day at work, Melanie sits down to relax and focus on her breathing to calm herself. She notices that her heart rate begins to slow, her breathing becomes deeper and more regular, and she feels her muscles gradually relax. As she continues to unwind, she feels her body returning to a calmer, more balanced state, no longer on edge from the stress of the day. This change is due to the activation of a part of her autonomic nervous system that helps her body conserve energy and maintain a steady internal state after periods of stress. Which part of the autonomic nervous system is primarily responsible for Melanie’s relaxation response?

• Sympathetic Nervous System

• Parasympathetic Nervous System

• Central Nervous System

• Somatic Nervous System

While hiking in the mountains, Garrett suddenly touches a sharp, prickly bush. Immediately, he feels a painful sensation in his hand and quickly pulls it away. This rapid response occurs because certain neurons detected the sharpness of the bush and sent a signal to his brain, alerting him to the sensation of pain. These neurons are specialized for detecting stimuli from his environment, helping his body react to potentially harmful situations. Which type of neuron is primarily responsible for detecting the pain from Garrett’s hand and sending this information to his brain?

• Interneurons

• Motor Neurons

• Sensory Neurons

• Glial Cells