Deck 2: Research Methods

Question 1

Compare your forearm, hand, and fingers to a neuron. In such an analogy, the dendrites are your:

A)forearm.
B)fingers.
C)hand.
D)wrist.

Answer 1

fingers.

Question 2

The breaks between segments of an axon's myelin sheath are called:

A)terminal buds.
B)synapses.
C)dendritic clefts.
D)nodes of Ranvier.

Answer 2

nodes of Ranvier.

Question 3

The branch-like fibers extending in clusters from the neuron's cell body are called:

A)axons.
B)glial fibers.
C)dendrites.
D)nodes of Ranvier.

Answer 3

dendrites.

Question 4

As compared to neurons, there are:

A)fewer glial cells.
B)about as many glial cells.
C)somewhat more glial cells.
D)many more glial cells.

Question 5

The nervous system contains not only neurons but also other cells called:

A)axons.
B)glial cells.
C)dendrites.
D)myelin cells.

Question 6

The chemicals that relay signals across the synapses between neurons are called:

A)action potentials.
B)neurotransmitters.
C)agonists.
D)vesicles.

Question 7

Dendrite is to axon as _____ is to _____.

A)receiving; sending
B)sending; receiving
C)electrical; chemical
D)action potential; reuptake

Question 8

Which type of glial cell is correctly matched with its function?

A)microglia - create myelin sheaths
B)astrocytes - protect the brain from infection
C)Schwann cells - restore the blood-brain barrier
D)None of these types of glial cells is correctly matched with its function.

Question 9

Which sequence accurately reflects the route followed by nerve impulses when one neuron communicates with another?

A)dendrite > axon > cell body
B)dendrite > cell body > axon
C)axon > cell body > dendrite
D)axon > dendrite > cell body

Question 10

Which statement concerning the study of the brain and the nervous system is MOST accurate?

A)The terms "neuroscience" and "biological psychology" both refer to the study of the brain and the nervous system.
B)The terms "neuroscience" and "biological psychology" both refer to the study of how the nervous system influences behavior.
C)The term "neuroscience" refers to the study of the brain and the nervous system, whereas the term "biological psychology" refers to the study of how the nervous system influences behavior.
D)The term "biological psychology" refers to the study of the brain and the nervous system, whereas the term "neuroscience" refers to the study of how the nervous system influences behavior.

Question 11

Which sequence correctly arranges nervous system structures from the largest to the smallest?

A)neuron > axon > terminal bud
B)neuron > terminal bud > axon
C)axon > terminal bud > neuron
D)axon > neuron > terminal bud

Question 12

Terminal buds are found at the ends of:

A)cell bodies.
B)dendrites.
C)axons.
D)glial cells.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT one of the functions of glial cells?

A)They defend the brain against infection.
B)They conduct action potentials.
C)They create the myelin that insulates axons.
D)All of these are functions of glial cells.

Question 14

Alison has developed an interest in how the brain controls the body's voluntary action. You suggest that she become a(n) _____ psychologist.

A)genetic
B)biological
C)cognitive
D)evolutionary

Question 15

Compare your forearm, hand, and fingers to a neuron. In such an analogy, the axon is your:

A)wrist.
B)fingers.
C)hand.
D)forearm.

Question 16

The difference in charges inside and outside a neuron determine how positive or negatively charged the neuron is overall. This is called the neuron's:

A)polarity.
B)resting potential.
C)electrostatic pressure.
D)threshold potential.

Question 17

An axon is a:

A)neuron's cell body.
B)support cell in the nervous system.
C)branch-like fiber extending in clusters from a neuron's cell body.
D)long, tube-like structure extending from a neuron's cell body.

Question 18

Which term is NOT a synonym for biological psychology?

A)neuropsychology
B)physiological psychology
C)psychobiology
D)neuroscience

Question 19

Electrical wires are generally protected by a tube of plastic. A similar insulating function is performed in the nervous system by:

A)myelin.
B)glial cells.
C)terminal buds.
D)dendrites.

Question 20

The building blocks of the nervous system are cells called:

A)neurons.
B)axons.
C)synapses.
D)dendrites.

Question 21

Which sequence correctly orders neuronal components from the largest and most inclusive to the smallest and most specific?

A)axon > terminal bud > vesicle
B)axon > vesicle > terminal bud
C)vesicle > axon > terminal bud
D)vesicle > terminal bud > axon

Question 22

Within neurons is to between neurons as _____ is to _____.

A)chemical; electrical
B)electrical; mechanical
C)electrical; chemical
D)mechanical; chemical

Question 23

Which sequence correctly reflects the order in which electrical charges occur during an action potential, from first to last?

A)threshold potential > resting potential > action potential
B)resting potential > action potential > threshold potential
C)action potential > threshold potential > resting potential
D)resting potential > threshold potential > action potential

Question 24

The electrical potential created by the difference in charge between the inside and outside of a neuron is called the neuron's _____ potential.

A)action
B)threshold
C)resting
D)electrostatic

Question 25

Methamphetamine increases the release of dopamine from an axon's terminal button. Curare blocks the release of acetylcholine. Methamphetamine is a dopamine ______; curare is an acetylcholine ______.

A)antagonist; agonist
B)exciter; inhibitor
C)agonist; antagonist
D)inhibitor; exciter

Question 26

An action potential takes about _____ to complete.

A)0)1 ms
B)1 ms
C)0)01 s
D)1 s

Question 27

An advertisement for a new drug therapy catches your eye. The advertisement claims that the drug will counteract the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. How does the drug probably work?

A)The drug probably acts as an acetylcholine agonist.
B)The drug probably acts as an acetylcholine antagonist.
C)The drug probably acts as a serotonin agonist.
D)The drug probably acts as a serotonin antagonist.

Question 28

A synapse is a:

A)chemical.
B)signal.
C)joint.
D)gap.

Question 29

You cannot fire a gun softly or flush a toilet halfway. Like an action potential, gunfire and a toilet's flush follow the _____ law.

A)on-or-off
B)all-or-none
C)this-or-that
D)is-or-isn't

Question 30

Cocaine causes the neurotransmitter dopamine to remain at the site of the synapse longer than it normally would. Cocaine thus inhibits the process called:

A)recycling.
B)reuse.
C)reuptake.
D)reabsorption.

Question 31

Receptor sites are found on:

A)myelin sheaths.
B)axons.
C)vesicles.
D)dendrites.

Question 32

The speed of an action potential in unmyelinated neurons is approximately _____ mph. The speed of an action potential in myelinated neurons is approximately ____ mph.

A)1 to 4.5; 1 to 4.5
B)1 to 4.5; 150 to 275
C) 150 to 275; 1 to 4.5
D) 150 to 275; 150 to 275

Question 33

Researchers have identified approximately ______ neurotransmitters.

A)20
B)50
C)100
D)200

Question 34

Which electrical charge is correctly identified?

A)-70 mV - action potential
B)-55 mV - threshold potential
C)30 mV - resting potential
D)All of these charges are correctly defined.

Question 35

An action potential involves the transfer of _____ and _____ ions across an axon's membrane.

A)calcium; potassium
B)sodium; potassium
C)sodium; calcium
D)calcium; chloride

Question 36

The neurotransmitter GABA opposes the action of the neurotransmitter:

A)glutamate.
B)acetylcholine.
C)serotonin.
D)dopamine.

Question 37

A neuron's resting potential is:

A)-70 mV.
B)-55 mV.
C)0 mV.
D)30 mV.

Question 38

As an action potential occurs, the neuron's electrical charge changes from _____ to _____.

A)negative; more negative
B)positive; more positive
C)negative; positive
D)positive; negative

Question 39

Which disorder reflects damaged myelination?

A)muscular dystrophy
B)schizophrenia
C)Parkinson's disease
D)multiple sclerosis

Question 40

An action potential is a sudden _____ change in the electrical charge of a neuron's ______.

A)positive; axon
B)positive; dendrites
C)negative; axon
D)negative; dendrites

Question 41

Mr. Lopez is prescribed oxycodone to manage chronic lower back pain. Oxycodone is called an opioid because its action resembles that of _____, the brain's natural painkillers.

A)acetylcholine
B)dopamine
C)adenosine
D)endorphins

Question 42

Which disorder is correctly paired with an associated neurotransmitter?

A)Parkinson's disease - dopamine
B)depression - glutamate
C)schizophrenia - serotonin
D)Alzheimer's disease - endorphins

Question 43

According to your text, adenosine slows down neuronal activity. In other words, adenosine is a(n) ____ neurotransmitter.

A)excitatory
B)inhibitory
C)agonistic
D)antagonistic

Question 44

The brain and the spinal cord constitute the _____ nervous system.

A)central
B)peripheral
C)somatic
D)primary

Question 45

Which term BEST describes the organization of the nervous system?

A)linear
B)hierarchical
C)random
D)disconnected

Question 46

Parkinson's disease is to dopamine as _____ is to _____.

A)Alzheimer's disease; serotonin
B)depression; acetylcholine
C)depression; serotonin
D)Alzheimer's disease; norpinephrine

Question 47

"Runner's high" occurs when prolonged, intense athletic activity causes the release of _____, the brain's natural painkiller.

A)endorphins
B)glutamate
C)norepinephrine
D)adenosine

Question 48

According to your text, caffeine increases activity not only in the brain, but also in the branch of the nervous system serving the body. This branch is called the _____ nervous system.

A)central
B)peripheral
C)primary
D)secondary

Question 49

The neurotransmitter MOST closely associated with drug abuse is:

A)dopamine.
B)glutamate.
C)norepinephrine.
D)acetylcholine.

Question 50

Which neurotransmitter is incorrectly described?

A)acetylcholine - enables movement
B)GABA - prepares the body for stress
C)serotonin - helps regulate sleep and mood
D)dopamine - plays a role in drug use

Question 51

_____ function(s) as the brain's natural painkiller.

A)Acetylcholine
B)Dopamine
C)Endorphins
D)GABA

Question 52

The neurotransmitter dopamine is involved in:

A)learning.
B)attention.
C)movement.
D)Dopamine is involved in all of these.

Question 53

According to your text, Prozac and Zoloft boost the effects of serotonin. In other words, Prozac and Zoloft are serotonin:

A)agonists.
B)antagonists.
C)inhibitors.
D)stimulators.

Question 54

Your textbook states that caffeine blocks adenosine receptors. Therefore, with respect to adenosine, caffeine is a(n):

A)agonist.
B)antagonist.
C)inhibitor.
D)stimulator.

Question 55

Carmen is driving at night in an unfamiliar city. The neighborhood looks dangerous; Carmen feels lost and on edge. The neurotransmitter _____ is helping her cope with the stressful situation.

A)serotonin
B)dopamine
C)GABA
D)norepinephrine

Question 56

Which neurotransmitter is correctly matched with a psychological function?

A)glutamate - relief of pain
B)serotonin - contributes to memory
C)dopamine - facilitates learning
D)acetylcholine - produces feelings of pleasure

Question 57

Popular actor Michael J. Fox lives with Parkinson's disease. His symptoms include shaking and trembling, signs of a deficiency of the neurotransmitter:

A)GABA.
B)norepinephrine.
C)dopamine.
D)serotonin.

Question 58

At the broadest level, the nervous system is divided into the _____ and the _____ nervous systems.

A)primary; secondary
B)somatic; autonomic
C)sympathetic; parasympathetic
D)central; peripheral

Question 59

GABA is to glutamate as _____ is to _____.

A)inhibitory; excitatory
B)excitatory; inhibitory
C)agonist; antagonist
D)antagonist; agonist

Question 60

With respect to acetylcholine, Botox is to nicotine as _____ is to _____.

A)stimulator; inhibitor
B)inhibitor; stimulator
C)agonist; antagonist
D)antagonist; agonist

Question 61

Regarding the spinal cord's control of behavior, which statement is True?

A)The spinal cord cannot control any behaviors without the help of the brain.
B)The spinal cord is not involved in reflexes.
C)The spinal cord and the brain rarely interact in the control of behavior.
D)The spinal cord can control some simple reflexes without the brain's help.

Question 62

Sensory is to motor as _____ is to _____.

A)efferent; afferent
B)afferent; efferent
C)afferent; interneuron
D)interneuron; efferent

Question 63

Imagine a large city in which a downtown business district is linked to outlying suburbs by a system of subway trains. The spinal cord's sensory neurons are analogous to the system's _____ trains; the spinal cord's motor neurons are analogous to the _____ trains.

A)local; express
B)express; local
C)inbound; outbound
D)outbound; inbound

Question 64

Arden's heart rate and respiration are slowing, and her digestion is facilitated. Her _____ nervous system has become active.

A)sympathetic
B)somatic
C)parasympathetic
D)secondary

Question 65

Which situation is MOST likely to involve the action of the parasympathetic nervous system?

A)Brooke's finger accidentally grazes the hot iron; she immediately jerks her hand away.
B)After a satisfying evening meal, Callum relaxes in front of the television.
C)Walking toward her car in a deserted parking garage one night, Danica is surprised by a strange man who seems to appear from nowhere.
D)None of these situations reflects the action of the parasympathetic nervous system.

Question 66

Within the reflex circuit, it is the ______ that allows the spinal cord to control certain reflexes without the brain's help.

A)motor neuron
B)sensory neuron
C)integrator
D)interneuron

Question 67

Which is NOT an effect of sympathetic nervous system activation?

A)increased heart rate
B)pupil constriction
C)inhibited digestion
D)increased respiration

Question 68

The somatic nervous system regulates external behavior; in contrast, the _____ nervous system underlies internal behavior.

A)autonomic
B)central
C)endogenous
D)secondary

Question 69

The central nervous system consists of the _____. The peripheral nervous system comprises the _____.

A)somatic and autonomic nervous systems; sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
B)somatic and autonomic nervous systems; brain and the spinal cord
C)sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems; somatic and autonomic nervous systems
D)brain and the spinal cord; somatic and autonomic nervous systems

Question 70

Which choice correctly orders branches of the nervous system from the broadest to the most specific?

A)peripheral > sympathetic > autonomic
B)peripheral > autonomic > sympathetic
C)sympathetic > peripheral > autonomic
D)autonomic > peripheral > sympathetic

Question 71

Automatic, involuntary responses to stimuli are called:

A)conditioned responses.
B)reflexes.
C)action potentials.
D)instincts.

Question 72

Sensory and motor nerves make up the _____ nervous system.

A)autonomic
B)parasympathetic
C)somatic
D)sympathetic

Question 73

Excitation is to rest as _____ is to ______.

A)autonomic; somatic
B)somatic; autonomic
C)parasympathetic; sympathetic
D)sympathetic; parasympathetic

Question 74

The reflex arc is a component of the _____ nervous system.

A)somatic
B)autonomic
C)parasympathetic
D)sympathetic

Question 75

Somatic is to autonomic as ______ is to ______.

A)excitation; rest
B)involuntary; voluntary
C)rest; excitation
D)voluntary; involuntary

Question 76

The parasympathetic nervous system:

A)activates digestion.
B)dilates the pupils.
C)increases respiration.
D)increases blood flow to the muscles.

Question 77

Public speaking frightens Pavel. Unfortunately, he is scheduled to give a presentation when his class begins in 5 minutes. Pavel's _____ nervous system is probably kicking into high gear.

A)somatic
B)parasympathetic
C)reflexive
D)sympathetic

Question 78

Bundles of neurons carrying information to and from the central nervous system are called:

A)nerves.
B)glia.
C)ganglia.
D)nuclei.

Question 79

The two major divisions of the peripheral nervous system are the ______ and ______ divisions.

A)somatic; autonomic
B)sympathetic; parasympathetic
C)sensory; motor
D)skeletal; muscular

Question 80

Izzy's pupils are dilated and her heart is pounding; her breathing is shallow and rapid. Her _____ nervous system is active.

A)somatic
B)parasympathetic
C)sympathetic
D)secondary