Biological Psychology: Exploring the Biological Foundations of Behavior

Question 1

Which neurotransmitter is the primary mediator of parasympathetic nervous system responses?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Epinephrine

Question 2

Within the brain, which neurotransmitter is responsible for decreasing neuronal activity?

Accepted Answer

GABA

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Glutamate

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter is crucial for synaptic plasticity and memory consolidation, enhancing the reinforcement of neural connections through repeated use?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

GABA

Question 4

In the central nervous system, which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for stimulating action potentials in the postsynaptic neuron?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Answer

GABA

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Question 5

Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for regulating mood and is also involved in sleep regulation?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 6

Which neurotransmitter plays a key role in stimulating the central nervous system, leading to increased alertness?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

GABA

Question 7

Which of the following substances is NOT a neurotransmitter in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Sodium

Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

GABA

Answer

Epinephrine

Question 8

Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with feelings of pleasure and motivation?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

GABA

Answer

Serotonin

Question 9

In the central nervous system, which neurotransmitter mediates inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs)?

Accepted Answer

Glycine

Answer

Glutamate

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Question 10

Which of the following is a fundamental mechanism that contributes to synaptic plasticity?

Accepted Answer

Long-term potentiation

Answer

Retrograde amnesia

Answer

Circadian rhythm

Answer

Neurogenesis

Question 11

Which brain imaging technique measures changes in blood flow to indirectly indicate brain activity?

Accepted Answer

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Answer

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

Answer

Positron emission tomography (PET)

Question 12

Which of the following best classifies the neurological condition 'Schizophrenia'?

Accepted Answer

Mental disorder

Answer

Ischemic stroke

Answer

Neurodegenerative disorder

Question 13

Which of the following processes is not directly involved in synaptic plasticity?

Accepted Answer

Neurogenesis

Answer

Long-term potentiation

Answer

Long-term depression

Question 14

Which of the following is a key concept in understanding the genetic basis of behavior?

Accepted Answer

Polygenic inheritance

Accepted Answer

Epigenetics

Accepted Answer

Twin studies

Accepted Answer

Behavioral genomics

Question 15

Which hormone is not involved in regulating appetite and metabolism?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Ghrelin

Answer

Leptin

Answer

Insulin

Question 16

What sets functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) apart from other neuroimaging techniques?

Accepted Answer

It measures blood-oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signals.

Answer

It produces detailed anatomical images.

Question 17

Which of the following is an uncommon treatment option for individuals experiencing neurological symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Nutritional counseling

Answer

Medication management

Answer

Surgical intervention

Answer

Physical rehabilitation

Question 18

Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, plays a role in motivation and reward. How does its release influence these processes?

Accepted Answer

Enhances motivation and perceived value of rewards

Answer

Inhibits motivation and reduces perceived pleasure

Answer

Triggers hormone release that regulates mood and arousal

Answer

Primarily stimulates motor neurons, leading to movement

Question 19

Which neurotransmitter is **not** directly involved in the brain's reward pathway?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Endorphins

Question 20

Which brain imaging technique employs magnetic fields to stimulate specific brain regions, enabling researchers to examine the impact of electrical stimulation on behavior and cognition?

Accepted Answer

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Answer

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Answer

Positron emission tomography (PET)

Question 21

Which brain imaging technique employs magnetic fields and radio waves to gauge brain activity variations by detecting blood oxygenation changes?

Accepted Answer

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Question 22

Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for triggering the body's fight-or-flight response?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Endorphins

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Question 23

Which symptom is NOT typically associated with Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Tremors

Answer

Balance and coordination difficulties

Answer

Muscle rigidity

Question 24

In the endocrine system, which hormone is responsible for regulating blood pressure and maintaining fluid balance?

Accepted Answer

Aldosterone

Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Insulin

Answer

Dopamine

Question 25

Which fundamental mechanism underlies learning and memory by reinforcing synaptic connections?

Accepted Answer

Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)

Answer

Synaptic Depression

Answer

Axonal Sprouting

Question 26

In synaptic transmission, how do neurotransmitters enable the transfer of information across the synapse?

Accepted Answer

Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, generating an electrical signal in that neuron.

Answer

Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the presynaptic neuron, triggering the release of more neurotransmitters.

Answer

Neurotransmitters are released by the postsynaptic neuron and travel to the presynaptic neuron, initiating an action potential.

Answer

Neurotransmitters block the flow of ions through ion channels, preventing the generation of action potentials.

Question 27

Within the central nervous system, which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for facilitating neural communication by stimulating neural activity?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

GABA

Question 28

Which brain imaging technique employs magnetic fields to stimulate specific brain regions, allowing researchers to study the effects of targeted neural activation on behavior and cognitive processes?

Accepted Answer

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Answer

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Question 29

Which brain structure is responsible for communication between the left and right hemispheres?

Accepted Answer

Corpus callosum

Answer

Cerebellum and brainstem

Answer

Frontal and parietal lobes

Answer

Temporal and occipital lobes

Question 30

Which brain imaging technique is optimal for studying neural activity linked to rapid eye movements during a cognitive task?

Accepted Answer

Electrooculography (EOG)

Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Answer

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Answer

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

Question 31

Which brain imaging technique offers high temporal resolution, making it ideal for studying fast-paced cognitive processes?

Accepted Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Answer

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Answer

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

Question 32

Which neurotransmitter is closely linked to reward and motivation, playing a crucial role in reinforcement learning?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 33

In neuroimaging research involving human participants, which ethical consideration should be **top priority**?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining informed consent from participants before the study.

Answer

Using the most advanced neuroimaging techniques available.

Answer

Maintaining the confidentiality of participant data.

Answer

Prioritizing the publication of research findings over participant well-being.

Question 34

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure that involves implanting electrodes in the brain to treat movement disorders like Parkinson's disease. Explain how DBS works.

Accepted Answer

DBS targets specific brain areas with electrodes to control neuronal activity and reduce movement symptoms.

Answer

DBS primarily targets the cerebellum to enhance coordination and balance.

Answer

DBS involves removing damaged brain tissue to restore normal movement patterns.

Answer

DBS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate brain activity.

Question 35

How does epigenetics, the study of heritable changes in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence, influence behavior and susceptibility to neurological disorders?

Accepted Answer

Epigenetics alters gene expression in neural development, synaptic plasticity, and cognition, shaping behavior.

Answer

Epigenetic effects are primarily limited to early life and have minimal impact on behavior or neurological health later in life.

Answer

Epigenetic changes solely harm neurological health, increasing the risk of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.

Answer

Epigenetics is irrelevant to understanding neurological disorders as it does not involve DNA sequence changes.

Question 36

Explore the genetic basis of behavior and explain how genetic factors interact with environmental influences to shape individual traits and behaviors.

Accepted Answer

Genetic factors and environmental influences interact in complex ways to shape individual traits and behaviors.

Answer

Genetic factors alone determine an individual's traits and behaviors, with no influence from environmental factors.

Answer

Environmental factors alone determine an individual's traits and behaviors, with no influence from genetic factors.

Answer

Genetic factors only influence physical characteristics, while environmental factors only influence psychological characteristics.

Question 37

Analyze the physiological effects of stress on the brain and body, highlighting the significance of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

Accepted Answer

Stress triggers the release of cortisol, which weakens the immune system and elevates heart rate and blood pressure.

Answer

Stress leads to a reduction in thyroid hormone production, resulting in decreased metabolism and weight loss.

Answer

Stress prompts the release of oxytocin, which promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety.

Answer

Stress causes the release of dopamine, which enhances motivation and pleasure, potentially leading to addictive behaviors.

Question 38

How do neural processes contribute to perceptual illusions, and what do these illusions reveal about the nature of perception?

Accepted Answer

Perceptual illusions highlight the brain's limitations in accurately perceiving the world, emphasizing the constructive nature of perception.

Answer

Perceptual illusions solely result from external factors, with no involvement of neural activity.

Answer

The neural basis of perceptual illusions is fully understood, with no ongoing research in the field.

Answer

Perceptual illusions are caused by faulty neurons in the visual cortex, leading to distortions in visual perception.

Question 39

Which of the following is not a primary neurotransmitter in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Insulin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

GABA

Question 40

Which brain structure is responsible for regulating body temperature, sleep-wake cycles, and hormone release?

Accepted Answer

Hypothalamus

Answer

Amygdala

Answer

Thalamus

Answer

Hippocampus

Question 41

Which neuroimaging technique utilizes magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of brain function?

Accepted Answer

fMRI

Answer

PET

Answer

EEG

Answer

MEG

Question 42

The endocrine system exerts its primary influence on behavior through the release of:

Accepted Answer

Hormones

Answer

Neurotransmitters

Answer

Enzymes

Answer

Antibodies

Question 43

Which of the following is a primary function of the sympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Releases adrenaline and noradrenaline

Answer

Prepares the body for relaxation

Answer

Slows heart rate

Answer

Increases digestive activity

Question 44

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to:

Accepted Answer

Change and adapt in response to experiences

Answer

Maintain a constant structure throughout life

Answer

Degenerate with age

Answer

Specialize in specific functions

Question 45

The body's immediate physiological response to stressful situations is primarily mediated by:

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic nervous system

Answer

Parasympathetic nervous system

Answer

Endocrine system

Answer

Central nervous system

Question 46

Which of the following factors is considered to be a protective factor against the development of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

High levels of education

Answer

Family history

Answer

Urban upbringing

Answer

Childhood trauma

Question 47

Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in reward and motivation?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

GABA

Question 48

Which endocrine gland is responsible for regulating stress responses?

Accepted Answer

Adrenal glands

Answer

Pituitary gland

Answer

Pancreas

Answer

Thyroid gland

Question 49

Which of the following is a genetic disorder characterized by intellectual disability and distinctive physical features?

Accepted Answer

Down syndrome

Answer

Cystic fibrosis

Answer

Sickle cell disease

Answer

Huntington's disease

Question 50

Which brain imaging technique measures changes in blood flow in the brain?

Accepted Answer

fMRI

Answer

MRI

Answer

EEG

Answer

PET

Question 51

Which of the following is a type of evoked potential?

Accepted Answer

Auditory evoked potential

Answer

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Answer

Electromyography (EMG)

Answer

Magnetoencephalography (MEG)

Question 52

Which area of the brain is involved in processing and storing long-term memories?

Accepted Answer

Hippocampus

Answer

Amygdala

Answer

Basal ganglia

Answer

Cerebellum

Question 53

Which of the following is an example of a teratogen?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol

Answer

Folic acid

Answer

Vitamin D

Answer

Caffeine

Question 54

Which theory suggests that behavior is a function of the interaction between genetics and environment?

Accepted Answer

Nature vs. Nurture

Answer

Evolutionary Psychology

Answer

Behaviorism

Answer

Psychoanalytic Theory

Question 55

Which of the following is NOT a neurodevelopmental disorder?

Accepted Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer

Autism spectrum disorder

Answer

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Answer

Dyslexia

Question 56

How does the microbiome contribute to the effects of chronic stress on brain function and mental well-being?

Accepted Answer

The microbiome influences brain function and behavior by producing neurotransmitters and other molecules.

Answer

The microbiome releases stress hormones like cortisol into the bloodstream, impacting brain function.

Answer

The microbiome has no role in stress-related disorders.

Answer

The microbiome's involvement in stress responses is only relevant for people with existing mental health conditions.

Question 57

Which neurotransmitter plays a pivotal role in reward and motivation?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

GABA

Answer

Glutamate

Question 58

Primarily, which part of the brain is responsible for orchestrating complex cognitive operations, such as language and problem-solving?

Accepted Answer

Cerebral cortex

Answer

Motor cortex

Answer

Sensory cortex

Answer

Limbic system

Question 59

Identify the hormone that plays a central role in stimulating growth and metabolism in the body:

Accepted Answer

Growth hormone

Answer

Estrogen

Answer

Testosterone

Answer

Cortisol

Question 60

Which genetic disorder is characterized by the presence of an additional copy of chromosome 21?

Accepted Answer

Down syndrome

Answer

Sickle cell anemia

Answer

Cystic fibrosis

Answer

Huntington's disease

Question 61

Which branch of the nervous system mobilizes the body's resources in response to perceived threats?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic nervous system

Answer

Parasympathetic nervous system

Answer

Central nervous system

Answer

Enteric nervous system

Question 62

Genetic susceptibility to mental disorders is influenced by all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Intelligence quotient (IQ)

Answer

Heritability

Answer

Environmental factors

Answer

Family history

Question 63

The concept of neuroplasticity primarily refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Brain's ability to modify its structure and function in response to new experiences

Answer

Formation of new neurons throughout the lifespan

Answer

Degeneration of neurons with increasing age

Answer

Stability of brain connections once fully developed

Question 64

How do cognitive and behavioral therapies influence brain structure and function in neurological disorders?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive and behavioral therapies can modify brain structure and function, contributing to improved neurological outcomes.

Answer

Cognitive and behavioral therapies primarily focus on altering behavior without impacting brain structure.

Answer

Cognitive and behavioral therapies are ineffective in modifying brain structure and function in neurological disorders.