Jim Coan - The Brain and the Environment

The video explores how the brain functions as a body-moving machine, responding to environmental demands, particularly potential dangers. It highlights how social presence, especially of trusted individuals, reduces perceived demands and aids in energy conservation. Additionally, it discusses how being around trusted people eases emotional regulation, reducing the brain's workload.

What is the primary function of the brain according to the professor?

• To process information

• To move the body in response to environmental demands

• To regulate emotions

• To store memories

How does the brain's perception of environmental demands change when trusted individuals are present?

• It ignores the demands

• It becomes more active

• It perceives fewer demands

• It perceives more demands

What is one benefit of having trusted people around in terms of brain activity?

• Improved sensory perception

• Reduced energy expenditure

• Enhanced memory storage

• Increased brain activation

What additional task does the brain undertake when perceiving environmental demands?

• Enhancing sensory input

• Regulating emotional responses

• Increasing memory recall

• Improving cognitive functions

How does the presence of trusted individuals affect emotional regulation?

• It increases emotional responses

• It eases the regulatory effort

• It has no effect

• It makes regulation more difficult