1. Electroencephalography (EEG) is a neuroscientific technique that measures:
A. Blood flow in the brain.
B. Electrical activity in the brain using electrodes placed on the scalp.
C. Brain structure using magnetic fields.
D. Metabolic activity in the brain using radioactive tracers.
2. REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep is most associated with:
A. Physical restoration and growth.
B. Deep, restful sleep.
C. Dreaming and brain activity similar to wakefulness.
D. Sleepwalking and sleep talking.
3. What is the `placebo effect` in the context of neuroscience and behavior?
A. A harmful side effect of medication.
B. A beneficial effect produced by a placebo drug or treatment, which cannot be attributed to the placebo itself, and must therefore be ascribed to the patient`s expectations.
C. The actual physiological effect of a drug.
D. The process of blinding participants in a clinical trial.
4. What is the role of glial cells in the nervous system?
A. To transmit electrical signals.
B. To produce neurotransmitters.
C. To support, nourish, and protect neurons.
D. To control voluntary muscle movements.
5. The hippocampus plays a critical role in:
A. Regulating heart rate and breathing.
B. Processing emotions like fear and anger.
C. Forming new memories.
D. Coordinating movement and balance.
6. The somatic nervous system controls:
A. Involuntary actions like digestion and heart rate.
B. Voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.
C. Emotional responses.
D. Hormone secretion.
7. The central nervous system (CNS) is comprised of:
A. The brain and spinal cord.
B. All the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
C. The sensory and motor neurons.
D. The autonomic and somatic nervous systems.
8. In the context of behavioral genetics, `heritability` refers to:
A. The specific genes responsible for a trait.
B. The extent to which differences in a trait within a population are due to genetic factors.
C. The ability to inherit a specific disease.
D. The changes in gene expression due to environmental factors.
9. Operant conditioning primarily involves learning through:
A. Observing and imitating others.
B. Associations between stimuli.
C. Consequences of behavior (reinforcement and punishment).
D. Insight and sudden understanding.
10. The synapse is best described as:
A. A type of glial cell that supports neurons.
B. The gap between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released.
C. The main structural component of the neuron`s cell body.
D. A protective layer surrounding the axon of a neuron.
11. Which of the following is NOT a primary taste sensation?
A. Sweet
B. Salty
C. Spicy
D. Umami
12. Which of the following best describes `neuroplasticity`?
A. The degeneration of neurons with age.
B. The brain`s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.
C. The process of neurotransmitter reuptake.
D. The protective barrier between the brain and the bloodstream.
13. Which sleep stage is characterized by delta waves and deep sleep?
A. Stage 1 sleep
B. Stage 2 sleep
C. Stage 3 sleep
D. REM sleep
14. What is the role of myelin sheath?
A. To produce neurotransmitters.
B. To protect the cell body of a neuron.
C. To speed up the transmission of nerve impulses along the axon.
D. To provide structural support to the brain.
15. The concept of `theory of mind` refers to:
A. A detailed scientific explanation of consciousness.
B. The ability to understand that others have beliefs, desires, intentions, and perspectives that are different from one`s own.
C. A psychological theory explaining mental disorders.
D. The understanding of physical laws governing the universe.
16. What is the main function of the amygdala?
A. Language comprehension.
B. Motor skill learning.
C. Processing emotions, particularly fear and anxiety.
D. Decision-making and planning.
17. What is the function of the cerebellum?
A. Decision making.
B. Regulating body temperature.
C. Coordinating movement, balance, and posture.
D. Processing auditory information.
18. Which brain lobe is primarily responsible for visual processing?
A. Frontal lobe
B. Parietal lobe
C. Temporal lobe
D. Occipital lobe
19. What is sensory adaptation?
A. The process of learning new sensory skills.
B. The decrease in sensitivity to a constant stimulus over time.
C. The increase in sensitivity to a weak stimulus.
D. The ability to perceive multiple senses at once.
20. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) primarily measures:
A. Electrical activity of neurons.
B. Changes in blood flow and oxygenation levels related to neural activity.
C. The density of brain tissue.
D. The concentration of neurotransmitters in the brain.
21. What is the `fight or flight` response primarily controlled by?
A. The parasympathetic nervous system.
B. The somatic nervous system.
C. The sympathetic nervous system.
D. The endocrine system.
22. Which area of the brain is largely responsible for executive functions like planning and decision-making?
A. Cerebellum
B. Temporal lobe
C. Frontal lobe
D. Parietal lobe
23. Which of the following best describes the primary function of neurons?
A. To transport oxygen throughout the body.
B. To transmit information through electrical and chemical signals.
C. To provide structural support to the brain.
D. To regulate blood sugar levels.
24. Wernicke`s area is primarily involved in:
A. Controlling motor movements.
B. Processing and understanding language.
C. Regulating emotions.
D. Forming long-term memories.
25. Which of the following is an example of classical conditioning?
A. Learning to ride a bicycle through practice.
B. A child touching a hot stove and learning not to do it again.
C. A dog learning to salivate at the sound of a bell because it has been paired with food.
D. Studying for an exam to get a good grade.
26. Which neurotransmitter is most associated with pleasure and reward?
A. Serotonin
B. Dopamine
C. GABA
D. Norepinephrine
27. Alzheimer`s disease is primarily characterized by:
A. Motor dysfunction and tremors.
B. Progressive memory loss and cognitive decline.
C. Sudden onset of paralysis.
D. Difficulties in speech production.
28. Damage to Broca`s area is most likely to result in:
A. Difficulty understanding language.
B. Difficulty producing speech.
C. Loss of memory.
D. Impaired vision.
29. What is the primary function of the corpus callosum?
A. To control heart rate and breathing.
B. To process visual information.
C. To connect the left and right hemispheres of the brain, allowing communication between them.
D. To regulate sleep-wake cycles.
30. Which of the following is a common symptom of Parkinson`s disease?
A. Loss of vision.
B. Memory loss.
C. Tremors and difficulty with movement.
D. Changes in personality and social behavior.