How can scientists study the living brain since it is protected by the skull? The textbook notes several methods for this type of study. Describe the different approaches that have been used to explore the workings of the brain
What will be an ideal response?
Answer: A good answer will include the following key points.
? Electroencephalogram or EEG—recording brain waves through electrodes attached to the scalp.
? Transcranial magnetic stimulation or TMS—uses magnetic fields to stimulate or to temporarily inactivate a part of the brain to explore its function.
? Positron-emission tomography or PET scan—records biochemical changes in the brain after injection of radioactively labeled glucose allowing researcher to "see" which areas of the brain are most active.
? Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI—using powerful magnetic fields and radio frequency to produce vibration in the nuclei of atoms, then recording the vibrations and converting them into a three-dimensional image of the brain.
? Functional MRI or fMRI—similar to PET scans, fMRI uses MRI technology to measure blood flow which is closely correlated with brain activity.
? Magnetoencephalography or MEG—measures the tiny magnetic fields created by the electrical activity of nerve cells in the brain. This allows researchers to quickly record brain activity milliseconds after it occurs.
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The chief function of homeostasis is to ________
a) prevent balance b) maintain a steady state c) regulate emotions d) control sexual urges
The belief that all things, including human behavior, can be explained by employing religious dogma is called _____.
a. radical modernism b. radical spiritualism c. premodernism d. skepticism
What is the disorder caused by the consumption of substantial quantities of alcohol during pregnancy, potentially resulting in mental retardation and delayed growth in the child?
a) "Crack" babies b) Autoimmune deficiency c) Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) d) AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome)
What does the notion of retribution imply?
A. An offender's actions are a reflection of the society he/she lives in; thus, rehabilitation should be the first response. B. An offender's actions are a reflection of the society he/she lives in; thus, social justice comes from social change. C. An offender deserves to be punished and that the punishment should be disproportionately severe to act as a strong deterrent to all. D. An offender deserves to be punished and that the punishment should be proportionate to the severity of the wrongdoing.