Psychology Degree Biological Bases of Behavior Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient presents with difficulty in producing fluent, articulate speech, though their ability to comprehend language remains intact. This condition, known as Broca's aphasia, is most likely caused by damage to which lobe of the cerebral cortex?

Accepted Answer

Frontal Lobe

Answer

Broca's area, a crucial region for speech production, is located in the left frontal lobe. Damage to this area leads to expressive aphasia (Broca's aphasia), where an individual understands language but struggles to form and articulate words.

Question 2

The motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, rigidity, and difficulty initiating movement, are primarily caused by the death of neurons that produce which neurotransmitter?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Parkinson's disease is characterized by the progressive loss of dopamine-producing neurons in a midbrain area called the substantia nigra. Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter for coordinating smooth, controlled movements, and its deficiency leads to the classic motor symptoms of the disease.

Question 3

After narrowly avoiding a car accident, your heart is pounding, your breathing is rapid, and your palms are sweaty. As you calm down, your body returns to a state of equilibrium. Which division of the nervous system is responsible for this calming 'rest and digest' response?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Answer

The parasympathetic nervous system, a division of the autonomic nervous system, is responsible for conserving energy and calming the body after a period of stress or arousal. It actively works to slow the heart rate, stimulate digestion, and return the body to a state of homeostasis, opposing the 'fight-or-flight' response of the sympathetic nervous system.

Question 4

A researcher is interested in pinpointing the exact brain location that is most active when a person is viewing images of faces. Which neuroimaging technique would provide the best spatial resolution for this task?

Accepted Answer

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

Answer

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) offers superior spatial resolution, allowing researchers to identify specific brain structures involved in a task with high precision. It measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow, which is coupled with neuronal activation. While EEG has better temporal (timing) resolution, its spatial resolution is poor.

Question 5

Which of the following scenarios is the best example of the endocrine system directly influencing behavior?

Accepted Answer

The release of adrenaline causing a 'fight-or-flight' response during a perceived threat.

Answer

The endocrine system communicates using hormones released into the bloodstream. During a stressful situation, the adrenal glands release adrenaline (epinephrine), a hormone that prepares the body for a 'fight-or-flight' response by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and energy supplies. This is a direct hormonal influence on physiological arousal and behavior.

Psychology Degree Practice Test

Psychology Degree Practice Test

Psychology Degree Biological Bases of Behavior Questions and Answers